Removal of concrete barriers blocking Parliament begins

BEIRUT — The removal of concrete barriers blocking the access roads to Lebanon’s Parliament building in Downtown Beirut began Monday at around 5 p.m.

Here’s what we know:

    • Earlier Monday, a spokesperson for Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told L’Orient Today that the barriers that were erected during monthslong popular protests in October 2019 would be removed.

    • Berri’s spokesperson talked to L’Orient Today after newly elected opposition MP Elias Jrade called for the “removal” of the concrete barriers and “other barriers blocking citizens’ access to Parliament.” In a tweet Jarade wrote, “Parliament is the house of the people. No walls should stand between a nation’s MPs and its citizens,” adding, “Before calling the deputies to any meeting, all the barriers that hinder or block people’s access to the Place de l’Etoile must be removed.”

    • The barriers were put in place after protesters repeatedly attempted to infiltrate the Parliament building, often drawing a violent response, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets, from the country’s security forces.

    • At least 13 opposition candidates, many of whom were active participants in the October 2019 protest movement, were elected to Parliament in polls held on May 15.

Newly-elected MP Yassin Yassin stands in front of the blockaed that blocked Parliament and other governmental buildings for the last three years, since the Oct. 17, 2019 uprisings began. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient-Le Jour)

Removal begins of the blockades that have stood in place for the last three years, since the Oct. 17, 2019 uprisings began, that block the entrance to the Parliament building and other governmental buildings. (Credit: Mohammad Yassin/L'Orient-Le Jour)

The entrance to Parliament blocked by concrete blocks, in Beirut, in February 2020. (Credit: Zeina Antonios/L'Orient-Le Jour)