Shots are heard at the protest site in downtown Beirut, and police confirm the shooting. It was reported by the Lebanese TV channel LBC on Saturday, August 8.
Lebanese security forces opened fire in the area of the parliament building in an attempt to disperse protesters, Reuters said, citing law enforcement agencies.
At the same time, the Al-Jadeed TV channel, citing the police command, claims that the police denied shooting the demonstrators, noting that the statements about this were fabricated.
In addition, according to Reuters, police used tear gas to protect public order on demonstrators trying to break through the fence leading to the parliament building.
It is noted that about 7 thousand protesters gathered in the Martyrs Square in the center of Beirut, some of them throwing stones. “During the clashes, soldiers patrolled the area in vehicles with machine guns,” the agency said.
On Saturday, protests are taking place in the Lebanese capital, the participants of which demand the resignation of the current government because of the explosion in the port, which occurred on August 4. The protesters are chanting: “The people want the fall of the regime”, “Revolution. Revolution ”, and they are holding posters with the words“ Go away, you are all murderers ”.
More than 100 people were injured during the protests. According to the latest data from the Lebanese branch of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, 26 wounded were taken to hospitals, 94 medical assistance was provided on the spot.