Activists and opposition political parties agree that the Lebanese authorities have taken measures aimed at suppressing anti-government protests.
Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi denied such claims, but many anti-government figures stressed there was a political decision to end the protests.
They vowed, however, to thwart such attempts.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, Lebanese Forces MP Wehbi Qatisha said: “Based on the authorities’ measures, it is clear that there is a decision to stifle the demonstrations; but the uprising will not end until the desired fundamental change is achieved.”
He added that the Lebanese authorities lack the means to bear the repercussions of their decision, and therefore would not go ahead in implementing it in light of international and Arab monitoring of the situation in the country.
“Any mistake in this regard will put Lebanon in confrontation with the international community,” Qatisha warned.
Activist Ibrahim Mneimneh expressed the same stance, pointing to “a change in the authorities’ approach in dealing with popular movements since the formation of the new government.”
“It seems there are new instructions; this was evident in the new measures taken following the budget’s approval session, including the removal of barbed wires and concrete walls and the reopening of roads in downtown Beirut,” he said.
But Interior Minister Mohammed Fahmi denied in a statement ending the sit-in in central Beirut, saying the removal of barriers at the entrances to Martyrs Square was aimed at easing the flow of traffic.
Fahmi stressed “the right to peaceful demonstration and freedom of expression,” which he said was enshrined in the Lebanese Constitution and the laws in force.
