Peaceful Assembly Under Fire: Authorities’ Violations of the Right to Protest in Lebanon

HuMENA for Human Rights and Civic Engagement has published a research paper titled “Peaceful Assembly Under Fire: Authorities’ Violations of the Right to Protest in Lebanon” This paper delves into the current state of the right to peaceful assembly in Lebanon, shedding light on the significant challenges this right faces amid volatile political and security conditions. The paper provides an in-depth analysis of the risks faced by activists and protesters in Lebanon, presenting documented testimonies that illustrate how peaceful assembly has become increasingly dangerous with the rise of repression and violence by authorities.

The research paper meticulously documents key events in Lebanon, such as the 2015 protests sparked by the garbage crisis, where demonstrators faced severe repression by security forces, who used excessive force to disperse gatherings. It also examines the protests that erupted on October 17, 2019, one of the most prominent examples of repression faced by protesters in Lebanon. The paper details how, on this day, protesters were met with excessive violence by security forces, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse peaceful gatherings. This violence was not limited to major protests but also included smaller demonstrations, such as those in Tripoli in January 2021, where dozens of protesters were arbitrarily arrested, reflecting a continuous strategy of repression against dissenting voices. The paper also discusses the tragic events of August 8, 2020, following the Beirut Port explosion. During this period, widespread protests against government corruption and negligence took place, with thousands taking to the streets demanding justice and accountability. However, the security response was violent, with excessive force used to disperse protesters, leading to injuries and mass arrests. The paper documents how violence was systematically used against protesters in an attempt to silence those calling for reform and justice.

The paper is based on firsthand accounts from activists who share their experiences of repression and intimidation during their participation in these peaceful assemblies. These testimonies reveal that protesters often face violent reactions from security forces, including arbitrary arrests and excessive use of force. One testimony describes how peaceful protests turned into scenes of chaos and violence due to heavy-handed security interventions, resulting in injuries and illegal detentions.

The research paper also analyzes the legal framework used to justify these violations, highlighting the laws and regulations activated to suppress dissenting voices and control public space. The paper shows how these legislations have been used as tools to repress civil society and prevent citizens from freely expressing their opinions.

The paper also addresses the psychological and social impact on individuals targeted due to their participation in peaceful assemblies, noting the deep effects repression has on the social fabric and the community’s ability to organize itself to defend its rights. It also highlights the challenges faced by human rights organizations in Lebanon, which strive to protect the rights of protesters and activists in a complex political and security environment.

In the final part of the paper, a set of important recommendations is presented to the international community and global human rights organizations. These recommendations call for support to be provided to Lebanese civil society and activists who are threatened due to their participation in peaceful assemblies. The paper also emphasizes the need to strengthen legal protections for activists and ensure they can continue their work in a safe environment.

The paper concludes with a call for immediate action to protect the right to peaceful assembly in Lebanon, stressing the importance of supporting efforts to promote human rights and defend fundamental freedoms in the country. This paper offers a comprehensive view of the challenges facing civil liberties in Lebanon and serves as an essential reference for understanding the on-the-ground reality of human rights in Lebanon and how to address ongoing repression.