Lebanon: Hunger Protests Besiege Diab’s Government

Arab World

April 29th, 7:32am

Beirut - Nazir Rida

A demonstrator is seen near a bank on fire during unrest, as an economic crisis brings demonstrations back onto the streets in Tripoli, Lebanon April 28, 2020. REUTERS/Omar Ibrahim

Hunger protests that broke across Lebanon have put pressure on Prime Minister Hassan Diab’s government. The past few days witnessed overnight demonstrations and the blocking of roads in Beirut and the North, as well as direct confrontation with the army. The new developments raised fears over the deteriorating security situation, in a country grappling to face the outbreak of the novel Coronavirus and the unprecedented economic crisis. Clashes resumed in Tripoli on Tuesday evening, following the funeral of young Fawaz As-Samman, who was killed during the confrontations with the army the previous night. The city witnessed street demonstrations, while a number of angry protesters set fire to some bank branches, prompting the army to launch tear gas to disperse them. With the growing tension that strengthened in downtown Beirut, in protest against the deteriorating living conditions, widespread unemployment and weak purchasing power, Prime Minister Hassan Diab described the developments and the attacks on private property as “malicious intentions to shake security.” “We are working to meet the demands of the people regarding fighting corruption,” he said. “What happened in some areas, including attacks on private property and targeting the army, are malicious intentions behind the scenes to destabilize security.” Sources who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat warned of the deteriorating security situation. “The security reports indicate fears of a worsening security situation, due to the exacerbation of hunger, destitution and need…This might increase violence in the absence of any political and economic solutions,” the sources said. Meanwhile, Former Justice Minister Major General Ashraf Rifi said: “We have started a different stage now. The hungry and the innocent are increasing in number, and they are now moving to demand solutions to their living reality.” He told Asharq Al-Awsat that there was no prospect for a solution except by securing a decent life, resolving economic crises, and curbing the Iranian influence in Lebanon. “As long as Lebanon remains within the Iranian axis, its situation will worsen, given that the crisis is the result of the country’s detachment of its Arab and historical ties,” Rifi said. “Joining the Iranian project will not help us, because Tehran is unable to feed its people.”

from Asharq AL-awsat https://aawsat.com/english/home/article/2258596/lebanon-hunger-protests-besiege-diab%E2%80%99s-government