Collective Action
Protesters demonstrate in the vicinity of Nejmeh square, clash with riot police and security forces who used excessive force and repressive measures. Protesters also targeted commercial banks.
Violent clashes between security forces and protesters in Downtown Beirut wound down late Saturday after several hours of confrontation. More than 220 people were injured, including 80 hospitalizations, according to the Lebanese Red Cross. Several protesters were arrested. The Lebanese Army deployed and faced off with protesters outside the Kataeb Party headquarters in Saifi. Riot police fired hundreds of rounds of tear gas at crowds, who spread from Saifi to the Ring Bridge, launching fireworks and throwing rocks. Protesters threw tear gas back at police, some even using tennis rackets to volley the canisters. Police also used rubber bullets on protesters, causing multiple injuries. Photographs on social media appeared to show protesters who had sustained head and bodily injuries from rubber bullets. Some protesters targeted commercial banks and the Association of Banks in Lebanon, smashing their windows.Tents were torn down and set alight on the road leading to Riad al-Solh Square and in Martyrs' Square. TV channel Al Jadeed reported that security forces were responsible. Some protesters threw fireworks, water bottles and rocks at riot police separated from the crowd by box-shaped shields covered in razor wire.