The President-designate to form the government, Saad Hariri, described what took place tonight in the city of Tripoli as an organized and heinous crime.
In a press statement, Hariri stated that those who set Tripoli on fire are criminals who do not belong to the city or its people, having stabbed its security and dignity in the name of earning a living. He pointed out that the events in Tripoli tonight represent organized crime for which all those who colluded to undermine the city’s stability, burn its institutions, and take over its streets with chaos bear responsibility.
Yesterday, Hariri indicated that the movements in Tripoli could be driven by parties attempting to send political messages, and that there may be individuals exploiting the pain of the people and the financial distress faced by the poor and those with limited incomes. He affirmed that there is no justification for assaulting private properties, markets, and official institutions under the pretext of protesting the lockdown decision.
Hariri noted that there are segments of citizens seeking just enough to sustain their daily lives, and it is inappropriate for the state to remain a bystander in light of this, without taking action to provide compensation for poor and needy families. He warned the Lebanese against any exploitation of their living conditions, calling on the state and relevant ministries to utilize all available means to curtail poverty and hunger, and to provide social resources to enable citizens to adhere to the lockdown decision.
Hariri confirmed that the purpose of the lockdown is to protect citizens from the threat of COVID-19, and adhering to it is a responsibility that should not be taken lightly in regard to the safety of our children, families, and community. He emphasized that safety requires a clear plan that integrates efforts from civil society and capable individuals in the private sector with the state’s resources to ensure the lockdown is implemented effectively.
