Frustrated Lebanese depositors turn rage on crisis-hit banks

FILE PHOTO: Shattered windows are seen at a bank during a protest against what demonstrators say is economic hardship and the lack of new government in Beirut, Lebanon January 14, 2020. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

BEIRUT (Reuters) - As cash runs short at Lebanon's banks, so has the patience of depositors. Hit by restrictions on withdrawals, some are taking extreme steps, occupying branches and in one case taking an employee hostage, to squeeze what they can from their accounts.

Lebanon's financial crisis and dollar shortage have prompted commercial banks to impose strict caps on withdrawing dollars and a block on most transfers abroad, leaving Lebanese, many of whom are paid in dollars, strapped for cash.