Dubai: Demonstrators will take the streets on Sunday in Lebanon, to call for "toppling the sectarian regime" during a rally organised by young activists inspired by the wave of protests across the region.
Mostly Lebanon was considered immune from the regional unrest, as it's a democratic state. But activists in Lebanon are calling for the downfall of the sectarian regime, which they see worse than a dictator.
One of the Lebanese independent activists have held a statement last week on the door of the parliament saying "Egypt had one dictator, Lebanon has 128", in a protest to the dysfunctional parliament.
The aim of the campaign, organisers say, is to topple the sectarian system and liberate the Lebanese people from the dangerous policies of sectarian leaders, and years of government performance that have failed to alleviate pressing socio-economic problems.
The event will begin at Saint Mikhael Church in Shiyah at 12 Beirut time, and end up at the Justice Ministry. Organisers, mostly from the youth of the civil community, are aiming for a peaceful march, with special activities to fill the day up.
The organisation started with creating three main groups on Facebook "Toppling the Sectarian System in Lebanon toward a Secular one," "Lebanese Revolution to Topple the Sectarian System," and "Lebanese People Want to Topple the Sectarian System." These groups have approximately 28,000 members now.
Nehmat Badreddine, a spokesperson for one of the groups, speaking to Lebanese newspaper, The Daily Star, said "We have people from all political parties, but we make sure they leave their beliefs behind and join in to make this effort work," adding that "For years people have tried to start with similar campaigns," Badreddine said. "But they didn't succeed because they were politically biased."
She Emphasized that "Today, people are excited because of events under way in the Arab world, and they want to change, so why not start now?"
Talking about the structure of the group, Badreddine said "We do not have a leader, or a president," she said. "We have committees that are responsible for the press releases, electronic media, and organising the demonstrations. We are committees, and we do not want to fall in the trap of a ‘one-man show."
