Protests triggered by planned tax on WhatsApp calls paralyze Lebanon

[Valin]

CBS News

Oct. 18 2019

Beirut, Lebanon – Nationwide protests paralyzed Lebanon Friday as demonstrators blocked major roads in rallies against the government's handling of a severe economic crisis and the country's political class. 

The tension has been building for months as the government searched for new ways to levy taxes to manage the country's economic crisis and soaring debt. The trigger, in the end, was news Thursday that the government was planning, among other measures, to impose a tax on WhatsApp calls — a decision it later withdrew as people began taking to the streets. 

In some cases the demonstrations evolved into riots, as protesters set fire to buildings and smashed window fronts, taking their anger out on politicians they accuse of corruption and decades of mismanagement. 

 

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H/T Agenda Free TV

[Valin]

 

 

[Valin]

Riot police clash with Lebanese protesters in Beirut ...

[Valin]

Hundreds gather in Lebanon for fresh protests

Oct. 19 2019

BEIRUT:  Hundreds gathered in Lebanon Saturday for a third day of protests against tax increases and alleged official corruption after the security forces made dozens of arrests.
Crowds began gathering in front of the seat of government in the capital Beirut around lunchtime, with many waving billowing Lebanese flags.
Earlier, troops reopened blocked highways after security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a huge crowd of protesters who had gathered in the heart of Beirut on Friday evening.
The Internal Security Forces said 70 arrests were made.
The protesters are demanding a sweeping overhaul of Lebanon’s political system, citing grievances ranging from austerity measures to poor infrastructure.

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[Valin]

Oct. 28 2019

Corrupt Government Pushes Lebanon into Largest Protest in Over a Decade Electricity cuts and taxes on internet calls were the last straw for many Lebanese who have been facing a corrupt government and burdensome austerity measures. This accumulating pressure ignited the largest spontaneous protests the country has seen in over a decade, but the non-sectarian nature of these are unique. Recently, the leader of Hezbollah asked his supporters to not join the protests. Subverse Contributor Dustin Weinreb went on the ground in Beirut, asking people why they are protesting.

[Valin]

Lebanese Hezbollah supporters attack protesters near the Ring Bridge

Al Arabiya English, The Associated Press Monday, 25 November 2019

 

A group of Hezbollah supporters attacked demonstrators protesting against Lebanon’s political elite in central Beirut late Sunday, triggering confrontations as security forces separated the two sides.

The Lebanese Civil Defense hospitalized five protesters with different injuries, one of whom was subjected to a knife attack.

The attacks by young men armed with clubs and metal rods chanting pro-Hezbollah slogans continued into the early hours of Monday as riot police and soldiers formed a human barrier preventing them from reaching the protesters.

The supporters, who were riding motorbikes with the flags of Hezbollah and Amal Movement, stoned the protesters, who retaliated.

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