We’ve been hearing about 06/06/2020 all week now, the start of Stage Two of the Revolution, and how it would a big day for the Lebanese revolution… and big it was. A lot happened on Saturday in Lebanon, good and bad.
Here’s everything that happened during Saturday’s protests:
#1 The Lebanese revolution is back for sure
For all of those who participated in the protests, or who watched them on TV, or read the news, Saturday’s revolution seemed a lot like the onset of the Lebanese revolution on its first days.
#2 It was an eventful and suspenful day
Chants, marches, banners, speakerphones, Lebanese flags, clashes, fires, roadblocks, tons of people, music, demands, interviews, so many opinions, and conflicts.
Overall, it was a day that included ‘a little bit of everything’.
#3 People had many rightful demands
As usual, people openly and freely expressed their demands, whether by holding up banners or by using their voices.
#4 People from all over the country participated
Buses came to the Martyrs’ Square in downtown Beirut from all over the country: Bekaa, Tripoli, the South…
#5 There were some clashes, but peaceful protesters stayed till the end
We’ll talk more about the clashes soon, but people who were committed to the peaceful protests stood their grounds till late in the evening.
They held tight and proudly to their flags, banners, rightful demands, and above all communication and expressing themselves vocally.
#6 Clashes between some rioters and the police
As it often happens, some people attempted to start a riot and began throwing rocks at the police guarding the Parliament. This led to several clashes between them and members of the police who responded with tear gas.
#7 Political parties got involved
The revolution got used to political supporters of Amal and Hezbollah making their opposing and disturbing appearances. However, this time there were also members of the Lebanese Forces and Kataeb parties, as expected from their previous announcement that they will participate.
Chants for the disarmament of Hezbollah were heard from among the protesters, and sectarian chants were heard from the opposing side.
#8 And clashes between protesters and certain political partisans
Followers of Amal and Hezbollah were reportedly ready near the Ring Bridge since early morning on Saturday. They attempted to attack peaceful protesters, but the Lebanese army intervened and stopped them.
There sure were some intense verbal clashes, however.
#9 Dozens fell injured
Tear gas and rubber bullets used by the police to disperse the protesters left many injured, including a reported for Al-Jadeed.
The Lebanese Red Cross reported over 40 injured, some were treated on-site and some were dispatched to the hospital.
#10 There were large marches
As said before, people came from all over the country to protest at the Parliament’s entrance in Beirut. They came in big marches, whether via vehicles or on foot.
#11 People were many
A big number of Lebanese people answered the call to revolt. As can be seen in the pictures and videos, the numbers were high!
#12 And of course, these protests never lack a sense of humor
“We want a government with a plan, not a hair-combing Travolta.”
#13 Nor a little craziness
As can be heard in the video, people responded to police throwing tear gas by setting police motorcycles on fire.
#14 This was the scene from Tripoli
Although most of the crowds were in Beirut, specifically Martyrs’ Square, protests were also being held in different areas around Lebanon like at El-Nour Square in Tripoli.