Activists see little progress on domestic violence

As activists held yet another rally calling for greater protections for victims of domestic violence, both activists and analysts say that deficiencies in the system are stifling progress on the issue, with tragic results for those affected. Last week, Sara al-Amin was shot dead by her husband, the latest victim in an ongoing epidemic of violence against women. Amin’s murder has sparked outrage and anger in Lebanon.

Read more on: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/News/Lebanon-News/2015/May-28/299504-activists-see-little-progress-on-domestic-violence.ashx

People are demanding access to their green areas

Beirutis gathered up outside of the pine forest to request the opening of their unique green space which was closed since the end of the war. Their message is clear: the municipality must open up immediately the doors of this public park, for better or for worse.

Read more on: http://www.lorientlejour.com/article/925500/a-beyrouth-les-citoyens-exigent-de-pouvoir-acceder-a-leur-ultime-espace-vert.html

Activists battle for Beirut’s heritage

Beirut, once a model Levantine Mediterranean city, is quickly losing its traditional character to modernization. Many Beirut residents do not recognize their city anymore. Save Beirut Heritage, one among a dozen NGOs which in recent years have campaigned to preserve what is left of the capital’s heritage, is pushing for a new law to protect old buildings.

Read more on: http://www.dailystar.com.lb/Life/Lubnan/2015/Feb-03/286152-activists-battle-for-beiruts-heritage.ashx#sthash.RXLy7YAA.dpuf

Fashion meets social activism on charity runway

A group of student activists from the American University of Beirut hosted the “Fashion Meets Lezem” event in a bare concrete ballroom of the old St. Georges Hotel Sunday night. The event aimed at cleaning up Lebanon with more than cheeky smocks, as it wove some of the most pressing issues facing Lebanese society into a performance-like fashion show highlighting some the country’s well-known emerging designers.

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Proposed demolition of Mar Mikhael stairs draws protests

The proposed destruction of the public staircase in Mar Mikhael has drawn sharp criticism from the community. “It’s a beautiful place,” said Jean Kassabian, a dentist whose office is near the stairway, which some residents estimated to be 90 years old. “I really don’t want it to be destroyed.” Kassabian joined several Mar Mikhael residents and activists Saturday for a sit-in on the steps, protesting the proposed demolition.

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Focus on execution as activists protest capital punishment

Dozens of activists gathering before the Justice Palace to mark the 11th World Day against Death Penalty. Some marchers held black and white cutout silhouettes of heads with ropes around their necks. They circled the Justice Palace led by a protester wearing a black executioner’s hood, while others held banners bearing the words “Stop crime” and “Stop death penalty.”

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The city’s green list

Beirut Green Project (BGP), a collection of people actively seeking a greener Beirut, is launching an online guide to green areas in the city. Over the course of one year, and in collaboration with the Beiruti branding agency WonderEight, the group has researched and collated information such as opening hours, family and pet friendly advice, and a little bit of history, for 20 parks covering thousands of square meters.

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Parliament faces public outcry over newly extended mandate

Anti-Parliament protesters ended their two-day sit-in in Downtown Beirut Friday but vowed to continue demonstrating against the legislature’s extended mandate, which went into effect after the Constitutional Council failed to rule on petitions challenging the extension

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Residents, activists fight to preserve Ashrafieh’s Jesuit Garden

The Beirut municipality’s plan to tear up Jesuit Garden in Achrafieh to build an underground parking complex has outraged local residents and preservation activists who are gearing up to fight the project.

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Anti-tobacco activists protest lax implementation

Anti-tobacco activists took to the streets of Beirut Friday, driving hearses to depict the status of public health amid reports that government officials have decided not to act on violations of the anti-smoking law. A small convoy of vehicles, bearing slogans reading, “Your weakness is resulting in the death of 10 people every day,” passed by the Interior and Tourism ministries in Sanayeh to raise awareness among officials and the public about the need to implement Law 174, which prohibits smoking in indoor public spaces.

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