“Wasta, Wasta, Wasta,” they chanted, in a reference to the Arabic word for political and personal connections–known to promote cronyism and nepotism within the Lebanese political and justice system.
“The judge is bought with dollars,” the crowd chanted. “Our country is run by thieves.”
Other chants included: “March 8, March 14– have sold the country to private interests,” referencing Lebanon’s two opposing factions, which dominate Lebanese politics.
The prominent lawyer Nizar Saghieh, who helped free the activists yesterday, said today’s rally was a historic moment.
“This is the first time citizens demand accountability from a judge, here at the Justice Palace,” he said to cheers from the crowd.
The protestors then walked around the corner to the Ministry of Justice carrying photos of the assailants:
Then posted them on the walls:
The police were very relaxed and some took an interest in the images:
And got an explanation:
The protestors left after a couple of hours, leaving only pictures behind, such as this screenshot of a bodyguard who is seen slapping protestors a couple of nights ago at (1:02) of this video:
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