Collective Action

Protesters demonstrate in BCD, storm into four ministries denouncing corruption and the destruction of the Beirut explosion; heavy scuffles with security forces following leading to injuries and one death

Dozens of protesters stormed into the Foreign, Energy, Economy, and Environment Ministry buildings in Beirut Saturday, calling for an end to corruption and the resignation of the political class following a huge blast that devastated the capital.

“No MP or minister should remain in their seats,” one man told an Al-Jadeed reporter at the Foreign Ministry.

Protesters also ransacked the Economy Ministry and Environment Ministry. Televised footage showed protesters setting small fires in the Azarieh building, where the two ministries are located.

Other protesters entered the Energy Ministry where they met no resistance. The three ministries had been closed for the day.

One policeman was killed and more than 230 people were injured in clashes in central Beirut Saturday, during demonstrations demanding justice for victims of the devastating Beirut blast that shattered half the city.

Date: 
August 8, 2020
Actors/ Mobilising structures: 
Collective / informal group
Multi-organisational field (collaboration, allies) : 
N/A
Mode of Action: 
Building blockade / occupation
Demonstration
Objective: 
Revolutionary (seeking radical change across society/ political system)
Support of a cause
Cause/ Grievances/ Framing CA: 
Corruption
Injustice/Perceived injustice
Spatial characteristics: 
Location on the Lebanese territory
Frequency: 
Continuous
State response: 
Repression

LBN11061

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

LBN11050

Village Name: 
Saife
Local Name: 
Saifeh
Caza: 

LBN11002

Village Name: 
Achrafiye
Local Name: 
Achrafieh
Caza: 

LBN11022

Village Name: 
Qobaiyat
Local Name: 
Remeil
Caza: