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7h ago

Hezbollah Defies Ban to Project Leaders’ Images on Beirut’s Raouche Rock

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ordered arrests in a test of the state's effort to curb partisan use of national symbols.

Portraits of two former Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah, right and Hashem Safieddine, left, are projected onto the landmark Raouche sea rock during an event commemorating their deaths in Israeli airstrikes nearly a year ago, in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
The landmark Raouche sea rock is illuminated by a portrait of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah during an event commemorating the anniversary of his assassination, in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
The landmark Raouche sea rock is illuminated by the hand of the late Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah during an event commemorating his death in Israeli airstrikes nearly a year ago, in Beirut, Lebanon, Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)
Beirut's landmark Raouche rock was illuminated by a portrait of late Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. AP

Overview

  • Supporters briefly illuminated the landmark with portraits of Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine during a waterfront gathering despite a government directive against politicizing monuments.
  • Salam said the Beirut governor’s permit allowed a rally but explicitly barred any lighting of the rock from land, sea or air.
  • The prime minister asked the interior, justice and defense ministers to pursue arrests of the perpetrators and refer them for investigation.
  • A Hezbollah representative said organizers only sought permission for the gathering and framed the projection as protected freedom of expression.
  • Thousands converged on the Corniche and by sea on boats and jet skis with Hezbollah flags, a show of support that unfolds as Israel maintains strikes in Lebanon and officials press to consolidate weapons under state control.