Collective Action
Depositors and activists stage a sit-in called by the Depositors Union and the National Federation of Workers' and Employees' Trade Unions outside the Federal Bank in Hamra in solidarity with a depositor who held bank employees and customers hostage
A disgruntled depositor unable to withdraw funds to pay for his father's medical bills held bank employees and customers hostage for six hours at the Federal Bank in Hamra. A sizeable crowd gathered outside in support of what many regarded as a Robin Hood figure, after calls for protest from civil society groups, namely the Depositors Union and the National Federation of Workers' and Employees' Trade Unions (FENASOL), which issued statements proclaiming solidarity with the hostage taker.
Riot police and security forces deployed to the scene as depositors who had gathered outside the bank chanted, "Riad Salameh, any drop of blood that falls inside is on you," referring to the embattled central bank governor.
Date:
August 11, 2022
Actors/ Mobilising structures:
CSO
Multi-organisational field (collaboration, allies) :
N/A
Mode of Action:
Sit-in
Objective:
Reform (advocating for limited change in political, socio-economic etc.)
Cause/ Grievances/ Framing CA:
Access to socio-eco rights
Corporate grievances
Policy Grievances
Spatial characteristics:
Location on the Lebanese territory
Frequency:
One off
State response:
N/A