Youth attacked activists participating in a march titled "Freedom March," which was supposed to start from Riad Al-Solh Square towards the Ministry of Interior in Beirut, under the banner "For a complete guarantee of our freedoms and in response to ongoing violations." Reports indicated that three activists were injured while trying to reach the square, and the assailants threatened the protesters with violence if they continued the march. Activists reported that they were "trapped in downtown Beirut and exposed to attacks from opponents of the protest."
The march aimed to urge the state and its various agencies, especially the public prosecution, "to stop favoring the stronger party, adhere to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international covenants in Lebanon's constitution, and approve the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which ensures freedom of opinion and expression, freedom of thought and conscience, religion and belief, assembly, and participation in public affairs and the establishment of associations."
**PSP Condemnation**
The Media Commission of the Progressive Socialist Party commented: "The excessive violence that occurred today against people in downtown Beirut is completely condemned and rejected, regardless of any consideration. Security forces must arrest the assailants and refer them to the judiciary, which is required to fulfill its duty to protect freedom."
**Counter March**
In contrast, under the slogan "Protect Your Family," a motorcycle march started from under the Cola Bridge. The calls for participation stated that it aimed "to impose values and proper ethical standards, to prevent any march demanding LGBTQ rights." The circulated invitation added: "Join us to protect our community from these deviant and aberrant issues."
