Conflict Incident Report

Lebanese Communist Party protestors returning from Workers Day protests clashed with ISF officials following a dispute at a Dahr al-Baidar checkpoint in east Lebanon.

Protestors refused to take down flags of the Lebanese Communist Party flags that they raised outside the window of a bus they were on as they returned from the annual Workers Day protest in Beirut.

According to the state-run National News Agency, police at the checkpoint asked them to take down the flags in order to “prevent friction” with others in the area.

The NNA also reported that one person was wounded and rushed to Chtoura Hospital.

The Lebanese Communist Party announced in a statement that three of its members are currently detained and one other is recovering at Riaq Hospital after sustaining a head injury.

They also condemned the police for demanding that party flags are not waved outside of the bus.

"Note that all political parties are allowed to raise their flags in this way without any objections," the statement said.

"The politburo of the party condemns this ... political targeting of civil liberties and the right to free expression and peaceful demonstrations," the statement added, demanding the immediate release of the three people detained.

They also called for an investigation to take place and "the prosecution of the perpetrators."

Thousands of Lebanese Monday marched in Beirut to mark Labor Day and to demand better working conditions.

Around 5,000 protesters joined the demonstrations that was organized by the National Federation of Workers’ and Employees’ Trade Unions (FENASOL), the Domestic Workers’ Union in Lebanon and the Lebanese Communist Party.

Communist Party leader Hanna Gharib addressed protesters by criticizing politicians.

"Lebanon is living a sectarian system crisis that represents the failure of the state and the ruling class in resolving the pressing social, economic and political crises that are pushing the Lebanese to immigrate," Gharib said.

He called for a capable government that could meet the aspirations of the Lebanese.

"Be ready on May 15 to prevent lawmakers from extending their terms," Gharib said, blasting the electoral law proposals that "only aim to renew their tenures.