Beirut Pride events have been suspended after its founder was detained by police.
Hadi Damien, who created the festival, has now been released by authorities after being taken in yesterday for questioning in the Lebanese capital.
It is still not clear why he was detained.
A source close to Hadi told PinkNews: “There’s lots of speculation so I don’t know what’s true and what’s not.
“The police closed down one of the two events last night and took Hadi in for questioning. He was released about an hour and a half ago and now the rest of pride is suspended.
“Everyone here is waiting on the full explanation to be published.”
Beirut Pride’s Facebook page confirmed what Damien himself has told his followers, writing that he had been released and that “Beirut Pride is safe.
“The events scheduled under the label of Beirut Pride until May 20 2018, are suspended for the time being,” the message continued.
“We thank you for your concern and empathy, and kindly ask you to refrain from speculating. We will issue a detailed statement by 9pm to explain [what is] happening. #alwaysproud #foreverstrong”
Source: https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/05/15/beirut-pride-suspended-after-leader-detained-by-police/
Last year's gay pride was a success in Beirut and more than 4,000 people attended: Beirut gay pride 2017
Hadi Damien, who created the festival, has now been released by authorities after being taken in yesterday for questioning in the Lebanese capital.
It is still not clear why he was detained.
A source close to Hadi told PinkNews: “There’s lots of speculation so I don’t know what’s true and what’s not.
“The police closed down one of the two events last night and took Hadi in for questioning. He was released about an hour and a half ago and now the rest of pride is suspended.
“Everyone here is waiting on the full explanation to be published.”
Beirut Pride’s Facebook page confirmed what Damien himself has told his followers, writing that he had been released and that “Beirut Pride is safe.
“The events scheduled under the label of Beirut Pride until May 20 2018, are suspended for the time being,” the message continued.
“We thank you for your concern and empathy, and kindly ask you to refrain from speculating. We will issue a detailed statement by 9pm to explain [what is] happening. #alwaysproud #foreverstrong”
Source: https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2018/05/15/beirut-pride-suspended-after-leader-detained-by-police/
Last year's gay pride was a success in Beirut and more than 4,000 people attended: Beirut gay pride 2017