Protest in Beirut demands federalism for Lebanon and liberation from Hezbollah

BEIRUT — Sassine Square in Achrafieh, Beirut, became the site of a protest organized by the Universal Syriac Union Party (USUP) on the occasion of Lebanon’s “incomplete Independence Day,” which they attributed to the Iranian occupation represented by Iranian-backed Hezbollah.

Protesters held banners calling for the removal of Hezbollah, the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution No. 1559, and the establishment of a federalist system of government. Leaflets were distributed to the public, urging Lebanese citizens to rise up, stand firm, and confront the “terrorist militia” to achieve full independence.

USUP President Ibrahim Mrad addressed the crowd, calling on all Lebanese people, particularly the Shiite community, to resist Hezbollah’s influence over Lebanese society, which he accused of displacing and exploiting them as human shields. He emphasized that “Iran has deceived and sold them out.”

Mrad urged the Lebanese Army to seize Hezbollah’s remaining missile and weapon stockpiles, especially those hidden in civilian areas, and to arrest the group’s leaders and members for high treason against Lebanon and its people. He emphasized that such actions are crucial to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty and independence.Protest in Beirut demands federalism for Lebanon and liberation from Hezbollah