- Tweeter
republish
The day of protest launched to protest the delay in the formation of a government of independents in Lebanon was punctuated by violence between the demonstrators and the police in Beirut. The Lebanese Red Cross announced that it had transported at least 20 wounded on both sides to hospitals or treated them on the spot.
With our correspondent in Beirut, Paul Khalifeh
Very violent clashes opposed this January 14 hundreds of protesters to the police near the Central Bank in Beirut, the Lebanese capital.
The demonstrators, who make the governor of the Banque du Liban assume responsibility for the financial crisis that is hitting the country, tried to enter the building.
They threw stones and firecrackers at the riot police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. The clashes extended to the famous Hamra Street where storefronts and the windows of a bank were vandalized.
Delay in forming a freelance firm
Police made arrests, including the internationally renowned Lebanese dancer and choreographer Alexandre Paulikevitch , who was released late at night. Other protesters blocked the expressway through Beirut and set up tents there.
Elsewhere in the country, protesters cut many roads using burning tires and dumpsters. In the afternoon, a large crowd went to the home of Prime Minister Hassan Diab to protest the delay in the formation of a cabinet for independents, as Lebanon sinks into the worst economic and financial crisis of its history.
The dispute continues on January 15 and many schools have decided to remain closed.
► Read also: Lebanon: protesters back on the streets for a “week of anger”