Conflict Incident Report

On 27 Oct 16, hundreds of commuters were stuck in traffic in the morning when public drivers blocked vital roads across the country, in line with a protest against the privatization of automotive inspection centers and a fee hike in services. From the early hours, as commuters headed to work or school, the Lebanese Union of Public Drivers blocked roads leading from Chtoura to Zahle in east Lebanon, Tripoli to Dinnieh in the north and Tyre to Saida in the country’s south, among other routes. They also briefly blocked both entrances of the Damascus international road, causing a paralyzing traffic jam. Drivers burned tires on the road from Mhamara to Minnieh in north Lebanon. Protesters in Beirut’s transportation hub of Cola were seen forcing people out of taxis and minibuses, whose drivers had not joined the rally. In Saida, police deployed to Nejmeh Square in an effort to prevent the drivers from blocking roads and forcing people out of their vehicles. Commuters were forced to take alternate roads, as many public and private schools closed their doors in Beirut when students and teachers were unable to find a means of transportation. Protesters later converged in convoys on Beirut's Riad al-Solh Square in front of the Grand Serail amid a large security presence. During a news conference at the demonstration, they vowed to continue protesting until their demands are met by the government.