The "Cry of Depositors" Association organized a movement today in front of the Central Bank of Lebanon to demand a specific timeline for the repayment of all depositor funds under the slogan "Enough injustice for depositors." This protest was accompanied by security forces from the army and internal security, resulting in the closure of Hamra Street and the rerouting of traffic to side roads.
The protesters raised slogans condemning the authorities, particularly the banking sector, which they accuse of violating their deposits and the fruits of their labor over the years. They demanded immediate repayment of their money without any delay. Both the President of the Cry of Depositors Association, Alaa Khoury, and other protesters expressed their absolute rejection of the government's policy regarding depositor funds, stating: "No to the government's vicious plan to wipe out people's money; our funds are a red line."
They considered today's protest in front of the Central Bank as the last opportunity for depositors to defend their life savings, especially since Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that the government would soon take a decision regarding the cancellation of deposits.
Minister of Displaced Persons in the caretaker government, Essam Charafeddine, who participated in the protest, reiterated his rejection of any legislation that does not restore the rights of depositors, saying: "No project will pass in the Cabinet that hesitates in their rights." He added, "I am compelled to attend Cabinet sessions because it is a caretaker government, and I call on honorable ministers and heads of parliamentary blocs to reject similar decisions; rather, we urge them to demand the enactment of a law to protect deposits until restructuring is completed and matters return to normal. Some ministers even reject development projects that would place the country on the road to recovery, and they bear full responsibility."
