The Association of Banks in Lebanon (ABL) announced that banks across the country will close on Tuesday in solidarity with the Lebanese Swiss Bank.
The Lebanese Swiss Bank in Hamra, Beirut was stormed and vandalized on Monday by people belonging to an organization from south Lebanon called Baneen.
ABL described it as a “heinous attack” on the bank’s employees and customers who were present at the scene of the incident.
The bank said its staff was assaulted by people who wanted access to bank accounts that were closed for legal reasons – although additional details were not given.
In a statement, the bank said that its employees were forced to make money transfers to Turkey. According to Reuters, the head of Baneen, Mohamed Baydoon, denied using force but did not deny the money transfers.
ABL has called on Lebanese authorities to prosecute those involved in the incident and to ensure the safety and security of the Lebanese banking sector and its employees and customers.
