Timeline of events in Iraq and Lebanon

As the investigation of the August 2020 Beirut blast continues to be obstructed by the murk of Lebanese politics, Families of the victims continue to stage protests and sit-ins demanding accountability and transparency in the investigation process. In January 2023, almost 3 years after the explosion with no result in sight, Families gathered outside the Justice Palace to prevent the higher judicial council from replacing the lead judge on the investigation, an attempt the political elite has been trying to achieve in order to protect and release suspects in custody

At least two migrants were confirmed to have died while over 200 were rescued on Saturday when their boat sank off Lebanon's northern coast, from where increasing numbers of people are trying to make the risky journey to flee their collapsed economy. According to reports from Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest and most impoverished city, there were Lebanese, Syrian and Palestinian men, women and children were on board the boat

In September 2022, a boat carrying migrants, refugees and Lebanese departed from Lebanon and capsized off Syrian coast where 94 people are killed and many are declared. Migration through the Mediterranean and off the Lebanese coast from Tripoli became one of the main migration means since 2011 as the Syrian crisis and it amplified on 2019 with the increasingly deteriorating economic situation in Lebanon and the increase in anti-refugee and migrant sentiments that are used by politicians as a scapegoat for the economic and financial crisis.

تسببت الاشتباكات التي استمرت يومين بين أنصار مقتدى الصدر وقوات الحشد الشعبي في مزيد من التشرذم في النسيج الاجتماعي العراقي وكادت تدفع بالبلاد إلى شفا حرب أهلية. يستمر العنف السياسي بين الميليشيات في زعزعة استقرار البلاد

In response to the Turkish artillery strikes on the Northern Iraqi areas, protesters gathered around the Turkish embassy to condemn the strikes on the touristic resort.

As the Turkish government resumes its military operations in Northern Iraq mainly in Kurdish areas, people came out demanding an end to the war and the military intervention of all sides. In Shingal/Sinjar, the independent youth movement organized a protest and demanded to stop all military activities. The action influenced demonstrations in Babylon and Baghdad to participate and support people in Sinjar against military activities in the city.

In April, a boat carrying 84 people capsized off Qalamoun, near Tripoli, after being intercepted by the Lebanese navy everal survivors told the media that the Lebanese naval vessel deliberately rammed their boat in an effort to force it back to Lebanon.

Sulaymaniya University Students demonstrate as the security forces intensifies violence against students.

In attempt to oppose the lead judge probing the Beirut Port 2020 explosion, a protest took place from the allies and supporter of the government against the ongoing investigation which resulted in an exchange of fire with snipers, pistols and automatic rifles causing an increase in political and sectarian tension.

Hundreds of people march to mark the one year anniversary of Beirut port explosion that devastated the country. The police scuffled with the angry protestors who were demanding accountability and transparent investigation for the people responsible for the explosion. Riot police responded to protestors by firing tear gas and water cannon and beating demonstrators with batons.

Women and allies in Lebanon marched against outdated laws, harassment, inequality, transphobia, the Kafala (sponsorship) system, and more on March 8, 2021 for International Women's Day. The pile of the financial crisis, the repercussion of COVID-19 pandemic and the explosion had a disproportional impact on women and young girls who suffered from displacement, domestic violence and increased unemployment. Women and fem in Lebanon face multiple layers of obstacles deeply embedded in the Lebanese laws and constitution, from lack of full civil rights, passing the nationality to their children, racism and stereotypes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL7xolsR99c

Mass protests take place in central Beirut as MPs gather for a confidence vote for the new administration. The protesters tried to block politicians from entering Parliament to vote on the new administration that was opposed to by the demonstrators. Security forces continue to use intensive force and crack down on protesters leaving 280 people wounded and hospitalized. The protests erupted in response to the persistence of the ruling class to re-invent itself under the new administration without proper plan for social and financial reform that addresses the economic crisis

The imposed nationwide COVID-19 lockdown measures have worsened the economic situation in Lebanon and especially in deprived areas such as Tripoli who was one of the city overtaken by a chronic economic crisis. Many of its residents are left without an income since Lebanon imposed a full lockdown to stem a surge in COVID-19 cases and prevent its hospitals being overwhelmed. The extended lockdown angered laborers and other vulnerable groups prompting them to take the streets in protest and demonstrations causing clashes with the police using excessive force injuring 45 people in the overnight clashes.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, people continue their demonstrations against injustice and corruption. The demonstrations have been sparked the delay and/or lack of salaries, unemployment, and lack of services. People are calling for the dissolving of the Iraqi Kurdish government. Security forces tried to disperse the protesters, using violent means as well as arresting many activists and organizers of the protests

In Bagdad, also people protest together for the demands and the anniversary of the Iraqi October Uprising in 2019 while the government of Al-Kathemi uses violence to disperse protestors.

In the aftermath of the explosion and due to the lack of resources and unwillingness in governmental institutions to provide and immediate response, many community and youth initiatives took the street in a coordinated effort to help and support in the cleanup and donations of food and medical aid.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Hassan Diab stepped down from his job on Monday in the wake of the disastrous Beirut port explosion that triggered public fury saying he has concluded that corruption in Lebanon is “bigger than the state”. The resignation of the Prime minister comes after the resignation of the minister of environment, minister of information and multiple parliamentary representatives. Diab’s government was formed after the resignation of PM Saad al Haririr. Diab’s government did not manage to implement the sweeping political and economic reforms that it had promised

On 4 August 2020, a large amount of ammonium nitrate stored at the Port of Beirut in the capital city of Lebanon exploded, causing at least 218 deaths, 7,000 injuries, as well as leaving an estimated 300,000 people homeless and destroying the grain Silos that contain 85% of the country’s grain. The blast was so powerful that it physically shook the whole country of Lebanon. It was felt in neighboring countries such as Cyprus, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, and Jordan. The Lebanese government declared a two-week state of emergency in response to the disaster. In its aftermath, protests erupted across Lebanon against the government for their failure to prevent the disaster, joining a larger series of protests that had been taking place across the country since 2019.

The long lasting corruption and omission of facts across governmental institutions resulted in the docking of ammonium nitrate (highly explosive material) in a civilian area without appropriate management or knowledge to the public. The long-term environmental and health effect remains unaccounted for with many particle matter and toxins emitted in the air

رئيس الوزراء العراقي مصطفى الكاظمي يزور مقر قوات الحشد الشعبي مرتديا زي الحشد الشعبي. هذه هي المرة الأولى التي يظهر فيها رئيس وزراء عراقي بزي الحشد الشعبي. ويعتبر ناشطون عراقيون الزيارة خيانة لوعد الكاظمي بإعادة حقوق المتظاهرين بسبب تورط الميليشيات في قمع الاحتجاجات.

Protesters demonstrate in front of Fransabank branches in Halba, Beirut, Sidon, Tyre, Nabatieh, and Tripoli, to demand the release of the detainees Mahmoud Mrouweh and Wadah Ghenwi, whom Fransabank accused of attacking its Sidon branch. In front of that same branch, Siba Mrouweh - daughter of detainee Mahmoud - reads out a statement that holds the central bank governor, the ruling class, and the banks, altogether responsible for the deteriorating living conditions in the country.

The Lawyers Committee issues its statement regarding the detainees in Saida, south of the capital Beirut, that the majority of the detainees were not allowed to make any contact or exercise any of their rights since their arrest on March 30 until after the intervention of the Defence Committee. It affirms that many detainees are subjected to excessive violence during their arrest and within the transport vehicles and places of detention, with the aim of getting information and punishing them. It also points out that the majority of those arrested were forcibly disappeared without knowing the direction and place of their detention for several days. Some of the detainees confirm that they were subjected to torture and beatings by the Military Intelligence especially through electrocution. A number of the detainees had to enter the hospital to receive treatment immediately after their release.

On April 21st, dozens of protesters pour back onto the streets of many cities in Lebanon, furious at rising poverty and hardship. One week later, many shop and hair salon owners hold a sit-in in Tripoli demanding the government to allow them to go back to work. The protesters say that they are unable to feed their children due to the economic crisis, rising food prices and COVID-19 containment measures. Two days later, dozen Lebanese banks across the country are torched and vandalised during the second consecutive night of angry protests fuelled by frustration over the national currency's unfettered depreciation. Hundreds of demonstrators take to the streets from Beirut to southern Sidon along with Nabatieh, the Bekaa Valley, and Tripoli and Akkar in the north. In Tripoli, the army soldiers fire live ammunition, which resulted in the death of the 26th year old protestor Fawwaz al-Samman.

Four major Shiite factions announce their withdrawal from the Iranian-backed Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) and the former Najaf governor Adnan Al-Zurfi is nominated to head the next government. Both steps can be seen as a serious blow for Iran’s proxies in Iraq at a time when the latter have not yet recovered from the loss of the commander of the Quds-Forces Qassem Soleimani and Deputy Chairman of the PMF Abu Mahdi Al-Muhandis in an American strike near Baghdad airport. The reasons for the withdrawal of the four factions are internal differences and their opposition to the increasing influence of Iran within the PMF.

Hundreds of people walk through the streets of Beirut for the annual International Women’s Day March, although it has officially been cancelled amid fears of the spread of the coronavirus. Women were very active in Lebanon’s mass protests often acting as human barriers between security forces and demonstrators. The yearly march raises feminist demands such as gender equality, LGBTQ rights and the fall of religious courts and their legislation.

The vote of confidence session is held against a backdrop of protests against Diab’s government and against the ruling class in general. Clashes break out throughout the morning between protesters and security forces in different locations around the Beirut Central District. On Saturday, thousands of protesters demonstrate in the streets of Beirut under the slogan “No confidence, no legitimacy – you will pay the price.”

Former Iraqi Minister of Communications Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi announces his official assignment by President Barham Salih to the post of Prime Minister. Supporters of Moqtada al-Sadr take control of the Turkish restaurant building near Tahrir Square in central Baghdad, in conjunction with the announcement of Allawi. Protesters gather in Baghdad and other cities across Iraq to oppose the nomination of Allawi. One person gets killed. He was reportedly attacked by a group of cleric Moqtada al-Sadr supporters who sought to repress the anti-government movement. While al-Sadr supports the nomination of Allawi and asked his supporters to withdraw from the streets, other protesters in the movement do not support the new prime minister. Al-Sadr has gone as far as calling his supporters to partner with security forces to clear protesters from streets.

The Parliament passes the 2020 budget in an attempt to redress the economic and financial crisis, with only 70 out of the 128 members attending the session, and 49 votes in favor of passing the budget. The budget's aim is to lower the deficit of gross domestic product to 7%. Critics denounce the 2020 budget as a “useless piece of paper” with “rosy assumptions about the crisis-torn economy,” according to Aljazeera and is therefore not expected to convince Lebanese protesters to end their demonstrations against the ruling elite.

After the killing of approximately ten demonstrators and the injury of dozens of others as a result of excessive use of force by Iraqi security forces, human rights activists in Iraq express concerns about the continued killing by live bullets and tear gas canisters. They demand international intervention to protect peaceful protesters.

Nationwide protests resume with road blocks of burning tires on major roads across the country. Demonstrators clash with security forces in front of the Central Bank in Beirut as well as Hassan Diab's house in Beirut. The next day a group of demonstrators gathers in front of the Helou police station in Beirut demanding the release of more than 50 people that were arrested the night before. The protest turns violent and at least 15 more people get arrested. Media and the Red Cross report up to 45 people injured, amongst them several journalists. This incident marks the beginning of escalation in a series of violent clashes in what is being called the “week of range.” Amidst the worsening economic crisis, nationwide electricity shortages, monthly withdrawing limits of US $200, and with still no formation of a new government in sight, protestors begin smashing bank windows and ATMs. Anti-government protesters trying to get to Martyrs' Square in downtown Beirut are met with violence by security forces, who yet again make use of water cannons, rubber bullets and tear gas in an attempt to break up the gatherings, marking the most violent confrontations since the beginning of the protests in October. Protesters hit back with rocks, Molotov cocktails and firecrackers as well as shining lasers. Over the weekend, more than 500 people, including around 100 security forces, are hospitalized.

Iran launches missile strikes aimed at US troops in Iraq and struck two military bases in Erbil and Anbar. No casualties or injuries are reported.

A US-drone strike near Baghdad airport targets and kills Iranian Quds Force Commander General Qassem Soleimani who was considered the second most powerful person of Iran. He is murdered while local allies from the Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) drove him from Baghdad airport. The leader of the PMF, Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis is also killed in the attack. The death of Soleimani triggers celebrations on the streets of Baghdad, since protesters have been demonstrating since months against Iran’s influence on the Iraqi government.

Pro-Iranian protesters from the “Popular Mobilization Forces” break into the heavily guarded compound of the United States Embassy in Baghdad and set fire inside as a response to the US-American airstrikes two days before. The men later withdraw from the compound, joining thousands of protesters and militia fighters outside chanting “Death to America,” The protesters siege the compound and trap American diplomats in the embassy overnight before they withdraw after leaders of the Iranian-backed militias who had organized the demonstration call on the crowd to leave on the second day.

Protesters storm the Nassiriya oilfield in southern Iraq, prompting a complete shutdown of the facility. The protesters force employees to shut off electricity to the oilfield from the control station. The facility produces roughly 90,000 barrels of crude oil per day.

Hundreds of protesters gather in Diwaniyah (Southern Iraq) to mourn an activist called Thaer Al-Tayeb, who died on Tuesday, December 24, following an explosion on December 15. Supporters of the activist set fire to headquarters of the pro-Iran militia “Bader Organization” who they accuse of the killing of Al-Tayeb.

Hundreds of people come together on the day before Christmas to share a dinner on Martyrs' Square in Beirut, as one of many initiatives to bring people from different backgrounds together and to give back to those in need. The event was however also met with criticism surrounding its sponsors and organizers, one of them a wedding rental service as well as anonymous private donors. The year 2019 comes to an end with the economic crisis deepening. The newspaper An-Nahar reports that 265 restaurants and hotels had to close over the last two months.

Expecting Saad Hariri to be named Prime Minister yet again, a large group of demonstrators tries to make their way to Nejmeh Square in downtown Beirut. They are met with violence by Lebanese internal security forces deploying tear gas and rubber bullets. Lebanese Red Cross and Lebanese Civil Defence count at least 46 people were injured and taken to hospitals. After losing the backing by the main Christian Parties in parliament and being met with continuous opposition in the ongoing protest movement, former PM Saad Hariri announces that he will not be a candidate to form the next government as Prime Minister. A parliamentary session on 19 December concludes with naming “University professor” Hassan Diab to succeed as Prime Minister. In response to the announcement, protests culminate on 22 December with thousands taking to Martyrs' Square in Beirut. Protesters consider Diab, who is backed by Hezbollah and its allies but not by the main Sunni groups, as a member of the ruling elite and therefore reject him as a candidate.

In light of lacking support from Sunni religious authority, PM candidate Samir Khatib withdraws from consideration. Allegedly, a consensus had been reach to reinstate resigned Prime Minister Saad Hariri. As a result, protesters gather outside parliament calling for an independent candidate, continuing the now almost two months lasting anti-government protests.

Militia Gunmen open fire on protesters in Baghdad's Khulani Square, killing at least 29 people and wounding 130. The incident occurred amid an ongoing stand-off between anti-government demonstrators and security forces on the nearby Jumhuriya, Sinak, and Ahrar bridges. The attack comes one day after 13 protesters were stabbed by unknown assailants in Tahrir Square.

Taking a stand against violence, a group of women from the neighbourhood Achrafieh lead a march from the Ring Bridge in Beirut to the Khandaq al-Ghamiq neighbourhood, calling for unity regardless of sectarian background. They are greeted with flowers by female residents of the Khandaq neighbourhood. The two groups then together walk the street of the neighbourhood in unison. Meanwhile several cases of suicide are being linked to the deteriorating living conditions amid the worsening financial crisis, sparking public outrage. In Arsal, a father of two, Naji Fleity, 40, commits suicide after losing his job at a stone quarry leaving him unable to provide for his family.

Protesters set fire to the Iranian consulate in Najaf. Security forces fire live ammunition to disperse crowds outside the building, wounding at least 33 people. Authorities in Najaf immediately declare a curfew following the attack. At least six people are killed on Wednesday amid ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad and Karbala.

At least ten people are killed and another 45 injured in anti-government protests in Baghdad following clashes with security forces on Friday, November 22. Clashes occur on the Ahrar bridge, where security forces and protesters fought for its control. Further clashes are reported on Al-Rasheed Street for a second consecutive day.

The 76th anniversary of Lebanon's independence from France is marked by nationwide civil marches and protests, with thousands taking to the streets. Approximately 10.000 gather on Martyr's Square in Downtown Beirut for a “civil parade,” with more than 40 different groups of e.g. teachers, doctors, army veterans, mothers, environmentalists joining the protest. In Tripoli in the North of the country, protesters demand the release of an imprisoned political activist.

Protests in schools and universities are ongoing across Iraq as part of a one-day general strike in support of those holding a sit-in at Tahrir Square.

The protest bus is on the road again, attempting to fulfil its mission to cross the country from south to north after being held up by the Lebanese Army close to Sidon. A group of people gathers at the southern entrance to the city accusing the people on board of receiving funding from foreign powers and being affiliated with the Lebanese Forces party. The claims are strongly rejected by supporters of the bus project.

After several days relative calm, the protests in Iraq flare again. Especially teachers, students and university students take to the streets demanding an end to the government’s violence.

First public statement by Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri since the beginning of the protests in which he postpones the parliamentary session scheduled for November 12th by one week. The purpose of this session was voting on a general amnesty. Protesters had announced new roadblocks to keep MPs from attending the session. Central Bank Governor Riad Salamé dismisses intentions of implementing a haircut on customer’s deposits and ensures the Central Bank’s ability and willingness to maintain the currency peg to the USD. In his third public address, General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah calls for measures to fight corruption and strengthen the economy, while maintaining his opposition to the protests. Bank employees in open strike.

Protesters continue to organize sit-ins in front of companies, state institutions and residences of politicians, as well as private properties that are considered public spaces (e.g. the privatized marina Zaytouna Bay). At night, mass protests all over the country.

Still no progress in forming a new government. Media sources claim: Free Patriotic Movement and Hezbollah push for a mixed government with technocrats and party members, while the “Future Movement” insists on purely technocratic leadership. Meanwhile, student protests and sit-ins continue.

In Baabda, followers of the “Free Patriotic Movement”, President Michel Aoun’s party, gather in front of the presidential residence to counter the ongoing protests. In an emotional public statement, the President yet again refuses any concessions. As a result, large demonstrations return to the streets of Beirut, Saida and Tripoli. Protests even take hold of more southern parts of Lebanon sporadically, but face much more severe counter strikes by Hezbollah and Harakat Amal.

In his third speech, Hezbollah General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah warns of the threat of chaos and condemns Prime Minister Hariri’s resignation.

Protesters express their frustration over prevailing poverty, high unemployment rates, the continuing economic crisis, corruption, lack of essential state services, and the country’s dependency on Iran. It’s mostly young, politically unaffiliated men who take to the streets. The protests quickly spread to other regions and major cities, especially in the south of Iraq. Several unions join the movement, while many demand a national strike.

Protests continue, mostly in Baghdad and in the south of Iraq. Muqtada al-Sadr and Hadi al-Amiri openly discuss the possibility of a vote of no confidence. Sadr calls for early elections. In Baghdad and Basra, students join the protests in large numbers. In Baghdad, approximately 2 Million take to the streets in one of the largest demonstrations since the beginning of the uprising.

Large protests in the southern Iraqi city of Karbala. Security Forces randomly shoot live ammunition at the crowds, estimates suggest 14 dead and 865 injured. In response, the protests sweep across the whole country. Muqtada al-Sadr and his followers join the protesters.

During the protests al-Saray, a political activist for many years, is hit by a tear gas canister and dies in the hospital only a few hours later. He is now often referred to as the face and symbol of the revolution in Iraq.

Protests continue in several regions all over Iraq. The estimated number of deaths rises to 200, as well as several thousand (approx. 7000) injured. Cause is the relentless violence by security forces and militias.

Protests and strikes continue. In his second public address, Hezbollah General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah takes a definite position against the protests and sides with the government and the reforms proposed by Prime Minister Hariri.

In Baghdad, mass protests commence at midnight in Tahrir Square. Violence by security forces.

Protests and strikes continue. In his first public speech since the beginning of the protests, President Aoun expresses sympathy but insists that only state institutions and government able to find solutions. He calls on the protesters to agree to negotiations with the government.

Protests and strikes throughout the country. The 72-hour window for political action closes, and Prime Minister Hariri proposes several measures:

• No new taxation
• 50% reduction in salaries of several politicians: President, Ministers and MPs
• Increase profit taxation of banks
• Budget reductions for several state institutions
• Establishment of an anti-corruption committee
• Privatization of the telecommunications sector
• State support for low-income families

Protesters in disbelief and anger, continue to demand the resignation of the government..

The uprising continues throughout the country, protesters call for a general strike, banks, schools and state institutions are closed. First clashes in Sour, where gangs of the Amal Movement “Haraket Amal” attack a group of protesters. In his first public statement since the beginning of the protests, Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah claims sympathy for the movement, but pleads for patience. The Police fires tear gas in the crows, several protestors arrested.

Following the announcement of additional taxes, sudden mass protests sweep across the Lebanese cities Beirut, Tripoli, Nabatiyeh, and Saida. Protestors block important roads throughout the country, demanding the government’s resignation and the “fall of the regime” (“Isqat al-nizam”).

The protests proceed, while security forces continue to respond with violence and repressions. Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi releases a proposal for measures to combat corruption, as well as a draft for social policy measures – rejected by the protestors.

His Eminence, the Grand Ayatollah Ali Al-Sistani, addresses the government in a public speech, demanding:

• Improvement of public services
• New opportunities for employment
• Implementation of legal measures
• Non-governmental independent committees to investigate and combat corruption

During the following day, large protests take place in several regions all over Iraq. The government imposes a nation-wide curfew and suspends all internet providers, with exception of regions with a predominantly Kurdish population. State security forces use tear gas as well as live ammunition against the demonstrators: several dozen killed and hundreds more injured. Armed militias continue to attack people on the streets and in their homes: Activists Hussein Adel and Sarah Taleb, a couple from Basra, are killed in their home.