Five Noteworthy Stories You Might Have Missed in Lebanon This Week (5/31)
You’re busy, we get it. No sweat. Here’s some of the most important news stories you might have missed from the past week.
1. Al-Akhbar Editor Walks Out of STL Hearing (Photo via The Daily Star)
Ibrahi al-Amin, Editor-in-chief of Al-Akhbar newspaper, walked out of his contempt hearing at the Special Tribunal for Lebanon after reading a statement denouncing the STL as a political tool and accusing the court of “oppression,” reported the Daily Star. Al-Amin stated that he plans to maintain “complete silence” and reject any court appointed defense lawyers. This hearing is part of an ongoing controversial investigation into the Al-Jadeed and Al-Akhbar media outlets. They are being charged with contempt and obstruction of justice after they published news reports that disclosed details of alleged court witnesses.
2. Lebanese University Teachers Go On Strike (Photo via Naharnet)
Professors at the Lebanese University announced that they will not be holding classes or exams until they are contracted as full-time employees. According to Naharnet, a spokesperson of the teachers stated during a protest held Wednesday that the teachers have been protesting and “continuously struggling in the classrooms” since 2008. The protesters proceeded to call on Prime Minister Tammam Salam to accept contracting them as full-time employees.
3. Syrian Elections Paralyze Beirut Roads (Photo via The Daily Star)
Beirut was afflicted with major traffic jams Wednesday and Thursday after approximately 80,000 Syrians made their way to the Syrian embassy to cast their ballots for the Syrian Presidential election. According to the Daily Star newspaper, many complained of the lack of organization as some got trampled by eager voters while others suffered dehydration and fainting spells while waiting in line.
4. Lower Calling-Rate and Data Service Charges Coming (Photo via NOW Media)
After a meeting with Lebanese mobile service providers Alfa and MTC Touch, Telecommunications Minister Boutros Harb announced they had made agreements to lower calling rate charges. Beginning on June 1, users will be able to benefit from reduced prices for cellular lines and 3G internet.
Lebanon has the fifth highest percentage of young boys (under 20-years-old) who are obese. The percentage ranges between 13 to 19.1 percent. The findings are according to a recently released global analysis on country-by-country obesity funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
According to the same study, 29.8 percent of Lebanese girls under the age of 20 are “overweight or obese,” while 12.5 are just obese.
