BEIRUT (Reuters) - Lebanon is in a "very serious" situation, the Lebanese defense minister said on Tuesday, comparing the country's unrest in the past few days to the start of the 1975-1990 civil war.
Although the protests were largely peaceful, a protester was shot dead in south Beirut on Monday.
Minister Elias Bou Saab, a political ally of President Michel Aoun, said the street tension and road closures were reminiscent of the 1975 civil war, describing the situation as "very serious".
He cited several incidents, including protesters attempting to erect walls on a major coastal highway.
The minister told reporters that the protesters had a right to protest and protection.
But he added that the army and security services could not accept anyone contemplating violence.