Lebanese protesters block key roads over economic woes

Dozens of people across Lebanon on Sunday blocked roads with burning tyres to protest the the country’s deteriorating economic crisis, defying a coronavirus lockdown.

The protesters cut major highways leading to southern, northern and eastern Lebanon, witnesses said.

“We will cut roads and protest from now despite the coronavirus,” one protester told a Lebanese television station in the town of Jal Deeb north of Beirut.

“People are starving. They cannot stay home any more,” another protester said.

Dozens of army troops were seen on the streets trying to open the roads and keeping people indoors.

In defiance, the demonstrators called on their compatriots to take to the streets on Monday to voice anger.

Lebanon is experiencing its worst economic crisis since the civil war of 1975-1990, prompting banks to impose restrictions on Lebanese pound and dollar withdrawals. 

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Earlier this week, angry Lebanese protesters took to the streets using their cars and wearing protective face masks.

But on Sunday, the protesters ignored social distancing rules, the witnesses added.

Last month, Lebanon announced it would suspend payments of all the maturing Eurobonds in order to safeguard its foreign currency reserves. (dpa)