Beirut protests end with 3-day deadline for government

Thousands of protesters waving Lebanese flags and chanting “revolution” took to the streets of Beirut on Saturday for an unprecedented mobilisation against sectarian politicians they say are incompetent and corrupt.

They also called for those responsible for last week’s violence to be punished, singling out Interior Minister Nohad Machnouk, and demanded legislative and presidential elections.

Thousands of Lebanese on Saturday marched to downtown Beirut’s Martyrs Square in an anti-government protest and gave the government 72 hours to meet its demands.

The demonstration was organised by the “You Stink” campaign, named for the accumulation of garbage on Beirut’s streets after a landfill closed and authorities failed to award a new contract.

Following last weekend’s demonstrations, claims were made that particular political parties had attempted to infiltrate the protest movement to encourage dissent, and foment violence between protestors and security forces.

Police have called on peaceful protesters to depart Riad Al Solh Square in Beirut so they can focus on rioters there, according to Al Jazeera.

– The “You Stink” campaign expressed hope that its efforts will be crowned with the staging of parliamentary elections after the current parliament had “illegally” extended its term on two separate occasions.

Thousands gather in Lebanon’s capital for anti-government protests initially triggered by garbage crisis.

A small group of masked youths tried to break through barbed wire to reach the prime minister’s office.

Amnesty, quoting figures from the Red Cross, said at least 343 people were treated for injuries and 59 more were hospitalised last week.

His movement, a new one, joined “You Stink” to push for that.

“The protest went great and it was a handsome festival”, he said, calling the event “a reassertion of civil rights”.

Alex Paulikevitch, a 33-year-old choreographer, said it was time to rise up because rubbish has filled the streets.

A row of ambulances and security forces remained in full force to prevent protesters from breaching barricades near parliament.

“But to see people from all over the country, from different classes and backgrounds, all together for one cause feels new and exciting”. “We are all here today because we are sick of the politicians taking us for fools”.

“You have political parties on Lebanon, who support the opposition in Syria, and the other political parties, who support the Syrian government in Damascus”, he told RT, “It may appear to be a domestic situation but it can easily deteriorate into a clash that may not necessarily be controllable by the existing government and security forces inside the country.” “Maybe we can achieve the Lebanon we dream of”. Human Rights Watch reported dozens were still detained and six people were missing from earlier protests. Many say they seek radical reforms including an end the patronage system that divvies up power among Lebanon’s multiple communities – Shiites, Sunnis, Christians, Druze and more.