Collective Action

Few hundreds gather in silent protest opposing hate speech

A few hundred people gathered in Downtown Beirut for a “silent protest” against hate speech called for by journalists, activists and human rights advocates. Around 250-300 protesters gathered in the Samir Kassir Public Garden holding yellow strips that read “Against Hate Speech.” Many protesters also held signs saying “Refugees welcome” and “Racism is terrorism.”The organizers wrote on the event’s Facebook page that the protest was in response to “hate speech that has been spreading during the past weeks.”One of the protesters said in televised remarks that she opposed hate speech against Syrian workers, which she said came primarily from Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil “and is echoed by the Free Patriotic Movement’s youth division.”

 

 
Date: 
June 12, 2019
Actors/ Mobilising structures: 
Collective / informal group
Multi-organisational field (collaboration, allies) : 
CSO
Mode of Action: 
Demonstration
Online campaign
Objective: 
Protest of public statement/public representation
Solidarity with minorities (sexual, ethnic, migrants etc)
Cause/ Grievances/ Framing CA: 
Injustice/Perceived injustice
Spatial characteristics: 
Location on the Lebanese territory
Frequency: 
One off
State response: 
N/A

LBN11061

Village Name: 
BCD
Local Name: 
Beirut Central District
Caza: 
Associated HRV: 
14408