“You Stink” organizers to LBCI: Politicians attempting to thwart our successful movement

“You Stink” campaign organizer, Assaad Thebian, said on Monday taht Security Forces must be held accountable for any death or injury incurred during demonstrations, condemning the excessive force used against several protesters. 

 

“The riots that were instigated by ‘infiltrators’ during yesterday’s demonstration were part of a political attempt aimed at tarnishing the image of the successful movement,” Thebian told LBCI’s Nharkom Said on Monday.

In this regard, the activist indicated that the upcoming movement as well as the demands of activists will be announced in a press conference this afternoon, vowing that the next movement will be more organized.

Considering that the political class is attempting to thwart the success of their movement, Thebian called on all the Lebanese nationals to demonstrate in front of Lebanese embassies across the world.

For his part, activist Marwan Maalouf reiterated that the campaign’s demands are not sectarian, stressing that the government should be held responsible for the death of a demonstrator and the injury of others.

“You Stink” activists started their movement on Saturday (August 22) evening to protest the government’s failure to resolve the waste crisis.

During the protest, scuffles erupted between protesters and security forces, leaving several injured from both parties.

Similar confrontations broke out on Sunday (August 23) between security forces and several protesters described by organizers of the "You Stink" movement as "infiltrators".

Lebanon has been grappling with a waste crisis following the July 17 closure of the Naameh landfill.

The cabinet pledged last year that the said landfill would be shut down and an alternative site would be found, however failed to live up to its promises.