Dozens hurt as police and protesters clash in Beirut
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Clashes between riot police and anti-government protesters in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, have left dozens of people wounded, witnesses say.
The violence began as demonstrators, who had been attacked during a sit-in by masked counter-protesters, tried to move into a square near parliament.
Police fired tear gas and rubber bullets, while protesters threw stones. At least 20 officers were also wounded.
People assist a wounded protester during clashes in central Beirut, Lebanon, 14 December 2019. The sit-in continues its nightly movements in front of the parliament entrance, as they refuse to assign Saad Hariri to head the government. Next 16 December parliamentary consultations will begin to choose a prime minister. EPA-EFE/NABIL MOUNZER
Protests over economic mismanagement by the ruling elite began in October.
Saturday’s events are some of the worst violence since the largely peaceful protests started. They triggered the resignation of the Prime Minister, Saad al-Hariri, but talks to form a new government are deadlocked.
Protesters gather behind Lebanese army soldiers as they flee gas grenades after they threw stones at riot police during clashes in central Beirut, Lebanon, 14 December 2019. EPA-EFE/NABIL MOUNZER
