Detroit Lebanese-American community plans Aug. 25 solidarity rally in response to Beirut clashes

posted on: Aug 25, 2015

(DETROIT–Aug. 25) – A coalition of Lebanese-American organizations and media groups are reacting to the ongoing trash crisis and police clashes in Lebanon, which have left downtown Beirut engulfed in flames this weekend.

Local Lebanese-Americans are concerned that clashes could lead to a collapse of Lebanon’s fragile government, which has operated without a president for over one year.

In response to violent protests in Beirut, local Lebanese-Americans are planning a solidarity rally on August 25, 2015 at 7:00pm EST at the Lebanese American Heritage Club Banquet Hall in Dearborn, Michigan.

Dearborn is home to the largest concentration of Lebanese-Americans in the country.

Rallies are being held in several states across the U.S. in support of Beirut protesters.

Reasons for the Protest on August 25th:
·      To demand the protection of human rights, including freedom of expression and assembly.
·      To call for an immediate investigation into police brutality.
·      To call for immediate and transparent parliamentary elections in Lebanon.
·      To demand an immediate sustainable solution to Lebanon’s trash crisis, which was the catalyst for this movement.
·      To call for a solution for Lebanon’s water and electrical deficiencies.

This weekend, protests in Beirut turned violent when security forces launched water cannons and tear gas at protesters, causing protesters to react with rocks and sticks.  Ongoing riots, which are unaffiliated with the original anti-government movement, have resulted in engulfed trees, smashed shop fronts, and damaged road signs.