Demonstrators block Tripoli square to protest lira’s loss of value

BEIRUT — Demonstrators blocked al-Nour Square in Tripoli on Friday to protest the unprecedented collapse of the Lebanese lira.

Here is what we know:

     • Before gathering in al-Nour Square, demonstrators marched through the streets of Tripoli after Friday prayers, calling on residents to join them in denouncing the deterioration of purchasing power and “corrupt leaders' mismanagement” of the economic crisis, L’Orient Today’s correspondent in North Lebanon reported.

    • A separate group of demonstrators also marched in the city Friday, carrying Lebanese flags and chanting slogans against the political class. They too protested deteriorating living conditions and the increasing prices of consumer goods.

    • On Thursday, the Lebanese lira lost 4 percent of its value in less than 24 hours, falling to a record low of LL25,000 to the US dollar.

    • Earlier Friday, a dozen activists stormed the headquarters of the Social Affairs Ministry in Beirut to protest deteriorating living conditions. The activists demanded to see Minister Hector Hajjar, with whom they had a brief meeting.