Anti-Extension Protest in Beirut

On Thursday, 20 June, hundreds of Lebanese activists made their way to Beirut`s central district to protest against the unprecedented Lebanese parliament`s decision to extend their term by seventeen months. The activists had planned to meet by the parliament building, but were barred from entry to the plaza by heavy police and army presence. Some protestors tried to break through the barrier, but were backed away by police carrying batons. Many protestors began to set up tents near the protest site later in the evening. 

The Lebanese parliament extended their term after failing to agree on a new electoral law, postponing parliamentary elections originally scheduled for June. The majority of Lebanese MPs have supported this decision. Despite the extension being unconstitutional, it has not been challenged by the Constitutional Council.