This archive report was first published on 3 November 2019.
Lebanon's Unprecedented Protests ¶
Since October 17, unprecedented cross-sectarian demonstrations have gripped Lebanon, with protesters demanding a complete overhaul of the country's political system.
On Sunday evening, thousands of protesters streamed into Martyrs' Square in Beirut, carrying Lebanese flags and inventive slogans on cardboard.
"Revolution," they cried to the rhythm of electronic beats, calling for political leaders from all sectarian stripes to step down.
Abir Murad, 37, had come from the northern city of Tripoli to take part in the protests, saying, "We are all united against the leaders who haven't changed anything in this country."
Protesters in the capital shouted in support of Shiite-majority areas such as Tyre, strongholds of the powerful Hezbollah movement, which has urged its backers not to protest.
Despite Hezbollah's warnings, protests were also staged in the southern city itself, as well as in Sunni-majority Sidon and the northern city of Tripoli.
Earlier in the capital, hundreds of men and women took part in a feminist march from the national museum towards the main square, with a banner reading, "Our revolution is feminist."
Protesters have called for an end to President Michel Aoun's tenure, as well as drastic change to a political system dominated by the same figures and families since the end of the 1975-1990 civil war.
On November 3, 2019, President Aoun addressed Lebanese in a televised speech, calling on them to unite and saying a roadmap had been drawn up to tackle corruption, redress the economy, and put together a civil government.
