The president of the Kataeb Party, resigned MP Sami Gemayel, stated that "the people of Tripoli and security forces, like all of Lebanon, are victims of negligence and the vacuum in institutions and the loss of conscience."
Gemayel considered the attempts to establish a police state instead of a strong, open, prosperous, and law-abiding state capable of ensuring a decent life for the Lebanese amidst an unavoidable lockdown to combat the pandemic. Tripoli has witnessed protests and clashes with Lebanese security forces over the past few days, resulting in injuries among the protesters.
Media sources suggested that these demonstrations are related to the economic situation and the continuation of the general lockdown, noting that "if the events had a political message, the nature of participation and slogans would have been different; although it could be politically exploited." They also noted that "the government's issue is not related to what is happening on the ground because those taking action are against the political structure and aim to topple it."
