Lebanese veterans block roads leading to Beirut government building
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The demonstrations were staged during the 2025 draft budget meeting led by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati.
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Lebanese Army special forces sit in their vehicle as they patrol a road that leads to the U.S. Embassy in Aukar, a northern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, June 5, 2024. (AP)
Retired Lebanese police officers and army veterans blocked roads in Beirut on Tuesday leading to the government building in the downtown area in protest over low pay, according to a Sputnik correspondent.
"We represent a group of retired officers and hungry military servicemen who are currently on duty. We are ready for escalation and paralyzing the entirety of Beirut if we are not heard," a protester told the Russian media outlet.
The former security personnel are demanding a raise in their pay and pensions to correlate with the pre-economic crisis levels, as well as the return of social benefits that include healthcare access.
The demonstrations were staged during the time the 2025 draft budget meeting led by caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati was set to take place, but has been indefinitely postponed due to lack of a quorum.
The protests were held amid increased police presence. Additionally, no clashes have been reported.
Lebanon's ex-central bank chief stays behind bars as probe continues
In related news, Lebanon's Central Bank Chief, considered to be the architect of Lebanon's economic crisis, must now remain in detention.
A judge has ruled that former bank chief Riad Salameh must remain in detention as an investigation into alleged financial crimes continues.
Investigative Judge Bilal Halawi made this decision following Salameh's first interrogation since his arrest last week, according to three judicial sources. State media reported that the charges against Salameh include embezzlement of public funds, encompassing forgery and illicit enrichment.
Judge Halawi has scheduled another hearing for Thursday, according to one source. Salameh's media office has stated that he will refrain from commenting publicly on the case, as required by law. They noted that Salameh had previously cooperated with over 20 criminal investigations in Beirut and Mount Lebanon.
Should the prosecution proceed, it would represent a rare instance of a high-ranking Lebanese official, either current or retired, being held accountable—a notable development in a system often criticized for protecting the elite.
The charges filed against Salameh last week are distinct from earlier allegations of financial misconduct involving Forry Associates, a company managed by his brother, Raja. The Salameh brothers, who deny any illegal activity, were previously accused of funneling $330 million in public funds through commissions using Forry.
