Lebanon: Demonstration planned in Sidon March 3

Event

The Popular Nasserite Organization (PNO) is organizing a march in Sidon on Sunday, March 3, to commemorate 44th anniversary of the assassination of Maarouf Saad. Members of various civil society organizations are expected to gather at the Maarouf Saad (Martyr) monument in Al-Fawqa Gate area at 10:00 (local time) and march to Nejmeh Square. Localized traffic disruptions are to be expected near the march route preceding and during the demonstration.

Context

Maarouf Saad founded the PNO and represented Sidon in the Lebanese parliament from 1957-1972. He was shot and mortally wounded in the city during a demonstration advocating for the rights of local fishermen in 1975; his assassination, which triggered large anti-government protests and unrest in Sidon, is considered by scholars to be a key event precipitating the Lebanese Civil War.

Advice

Individuals in Sidon are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.