#YouStink Hits Montreal
Worldwide Movement Protests Trash Crisis Within Lebanon
Several hundred people gathered at Place Vauquelin in Old Montreal on Sunday, in solidarity with Lebanon’s ongoing “#YouStink” movement.
Beirut has recently been the scene of heated protests denouncing a trash crisis and general infrastructure problems in the country, with many demanding that parliamentary elections be called.
The Montreal event, however, was festive, with many protesters waving Lebanese flags and dancing to music being played on loudspeakers.
“I’m here today because I have double citizenship—I’m both Canadian and Lebanese,” said protester Lamia Charlebois. “My country of origin needs us … we need to be here to support our families back home.”
In addition to the party-like atmosphere, there were banners explaining the current situation in Lebanon, with statistics on issues like government corruption and efficiency. A protest organizer was heard chanting “a Charbonneau commission for Lebanon” on a megaphone.
This protest coincided with other “You Stink” gatherings in cities such as New York, London, Paris and Brussels.
