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LEBANON

Protests in Bekaa after arrest of illegal money exchangers

Protests in Bekaa after arrest of illegal money exchangers

Protesters blocked the public road in Chtaura on February 22, 2023, to demand the release of illegal money changers. (Courtesy of Sarah Abdallah/L'Orient Today)

BEIRUT — The main road of Chtaura in Lebanon's Bekaa region was blocked with burning tires on Wednesday to protest the recent arrests of two illegal money changers in the area, the state-run National News Agency reported.

The demonstrators called for the release of the two men, as well as other money changers arrested by security forces in recent days.

The arrests were part of a broader campaign against illegal foreign exchange transactions, which are suspected to contribute to the depreciation fall of the Lebanese lira against the US dollar.

On Tuesday, the investigating judge in Beirut, Charbel Abu Samra, questioned 18 illegal money exchangers for six hours in a row. Other people involved in this case were also questioned, including money laundering suspects, according to the NNA.

Judge Abu Samra called for the arrest of other money exchangers, including one who went missing several days ago. An arrest warrant for that exchanger was issued in absentia. The others summoned by Judge Abu Samra in connection with the case were all released on bail.

Reporting contributed by Sarah Abdallah.

BEIRUT — The main road of Chtaura in Lebanon's Bekaa region was blocked with burning tires on Wednesday to protest the recent arrests of two illegal money changers in the area, the state-run National News Agency reported.The demonstrators called for the release of the two men, as well as other money changers arrested by security forces in recent days. The arrests were part of a broader campaign...