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Army, security retirees protest at Interior Ministry for fuel coupons

Army, security retirees protest at Interior Ministry for fuel coupons

Dozens of army retirees staged a sit-in in front of the Interior Ministry in Hamra, Beirut, to demand "their right to fuel" coupons, April 27, 2023. (Credit: NNA)

BEIRUT — Dozens of army and security retirees staged a sit-in on Thursday in front of the Interior Ministry in Hamra, Beirut, to demand "their right to fuel" coupons, which they are meant to receive as part of their pensions, the state-run National News Agency reported.

Retired soldier Mohammad Baki, who was not at Thursday's protest, told L'Orient Today that he and others stopped receiving fuel coupons a year ago.

A delegation of protesters entered the Interior Ministry to meet with caretaker Interior Minister Bassam Mawlawi and discuss their demands.

An Interior Ministry spokesperson was not immediately available for comment.

The retired soldiers said they were denied the fuel coupons "without any justification," and indicated that "this right is acquired and we demand it according to Decree No. 1595/84" and the decision issued by the State Consultative Council.

Last month, hundreds of army retirees staged two separate protests demanding increased pensions amid Lebanon's spiraling economic crisis and depreciated national currency. Security forces responded by firing tear gas on them.

Lebanon's multi-year economic crisis has seen the lira lose more than 98 percent of its value. Meanwhile, the country has no president or fully empowered cabinet. 

BEIRUT — Dozens of army and security retirees staged a sit-in on Thursday in front of the Interior Ministry in Hamra, Beirut, to demand "their right to fuel" coupons, which they are meant to receive as part of their pensions, the state-run National News Agency reported.Retired soldier Mohammad Baki, who was not at Thursday's protest, told L'Orient Today that he and others stopped receiving fuel...