Lebanon: Political rally planned in Baalbek August 31

Event

The Amal Movement, a political party associated with the Lebanese Shi'a community, has organized a rally in Ras al-Ain Square in Baalbek on Friday, August 31, to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the disappearance of the party's founder. The leader of Amal and Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, is expected to attend the demonstration which is scheduled to begin at 17:30 (local time). Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are expected near the demonstration site.

Context

The Amal Movement is a Lebanese political party founded in 1974 by Musa al-Sadr and Hussein el-Husseini and is associated with the Shi'a community. The Amal Movement gained attention in 1978 with the disappearance of Musa al-Sadr and Israel's invasion of Lebanon.

In May, Amal ran in the parliamentary elections on a unified ticket with Hezbollah under the name "Al Amal Wal Wafa" (Hope and Loyalty); Amal currently has 15 representatives in the 128-seat parliament.

Advice

Individuals in Baalbek are advised to avoid all demonstrations as a precaution, prepare for associated traffic disruptions, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.