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LEBANON

Mawlawi forbids demonstrations by Syrian refugees, counter-demonstrations

Mawlawi forbids demonstrations by Syrian refugees, counter-demonstrations

Syrian refugees at a camp in al-Marj, Bekaa, Lebanon, April 5, 2023. (Credit: REUTERS/Emilie Madi)

BEIRUT — Caretaker Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi issued an "urgent" directive to the General Directorate of the Security Forces on Tuesday evening, forbidding "demonstrations by Syrian refugees and counter-demonstrations."

In his directive, Mawlawi said this ban comes after "calls to demonstrate on April 26, 2023, in front of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to protest against the silence of this UN agency against forced evictions" of Syrian nationals from Lebanese territory.

He added that a counter-demonstration organized by "The National Campaign to Free Lebanon from Syrian Demographic Occupation" is also scheduled to take place at the same time.

"The calls for these demonstrations may cause security incidents between demonstrators," Mawlawi warned, adding that he aims to preserve "the security of citizens and civil peace."

On Monday, Amnesty International called on the Lebanese authorities to "stop the illegal deportation of Syrian refugees," fearing that they would be "tortured or persecuted" by the Syrian government upon their forced return.

The call comes after Lebanon deported some 50 Syrian nationals in April, at a time when anti-Syrian rhetoric is spreading among Lebanese affected by the economic crisis.

On Tuesday, Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel called on international organizations to stop giving aid to Syrian refugees in Lebanon. He said international organizations should instead support refugees in their return to Syria, and added that Western countries, including the European Union, "bear the greatest responsibility in this matter."

The Lebanese state has repeatedly attempted "voluntary" repatriations, but human rights groups consider them forced. They say some refugees have been tortured and persecuted upon their return to Syria.

BEIRUT — Caretaker Lebanese Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi issued an "urgent" directive to the General Directorate of the Security Forces on Tuesday evening, forbidding "demonstrations by Syrian refugees and counter-demonstrations."In his directive, Mawlawi said this ban comes after "calls to demonstrate on April 26, 2023, in front of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for...