Clashes erupt between Druze and Christians in Beirut

Text by: Paul Khalifeh

Violent incidents broke out this Thursday, February 20, between supporters of the largest Christian party in Lebanon and supporters of Druze leader Walid Joumblatt near the Central Bank in Beirut. At least two people were injured.

Publicity

From our correspondent in Beirut,

Riot police and the Lebanese army deployed on Thursday around the Bank of Lebanon to intervene between hundreds of supporters of the Free Patriotic Current (CPL), founded by President Michel Aoun, and the Progressive Socialist Party, Druze leader Walid Joumblatt.

Violent incidents erupted between the two groups when members of the CPL wanted to demonstrate outside the Central Bank to denounce transfers of money abroad at a time when the country is going through an unprecedented financial crisis. The Banque du Liban is located not far from Walid Joumblatt's residence, near downtown Beirut.

Fearful that the home of their leader would be attacked, after threats made on social networks, supporters of the Druze leader gathered to block the passage to members of the CPL. Cars were vandalized and clashes left at least two injured in the ranks of the CPL, according to party sources now led by the president's son-in-law, Gebran Bassil.

Walid Joumblatt dispatched his party executives to the demonstrators in an attempt to restore calm, while the police were struggling to contain the crowds. Affirming that his security was assured by the Lebanese army and that he was in no danger, he invited them to return home.

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