Over 50 People Injured In Clashes In Beirut - Lebanese Red Cross

BEIRUT (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd January, 2020) More than 50 people were injured in clashes between police and opponents of the new government near the parliament's building in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, the Lebanese Red Cross said.

On Tuesday, President Michel Aoun signed documents on the formation of the new cabinet under Prime Minister Hassan Diab. The new Lebanese government consists of 20 ministers, including five women, one of whom is the country's first female defense minister.

"12 injured people have been hospitalized, 40 victims have received assistance at the site. Both protesters and security officers are in the list of the injured persons," the Lebanese Red Cross said in a statement.

The protesters threw stones, firecrackers and Molotov cocktails at police officers, who resorted to water cannons and tear grenades.

The security forces managed to restore control over the streets near the parliament's building, but new clashes erupted near the nearby Martyrs' Square.

The Wednesday clashes are just one more episode in the ongoing unrest in Lebanon, which started on October 17, following the previous government's intent to introduce a tax on internet calls made via the WhatsApp messenger. Even though the controversial measure was scrapped and the government of Saad Hariri resigned, people have remained in the streets to demand reforms amid a protracted economic and financial crisis. Those who protest against Diab's cabinet believe that it is unable to overcome the crisis.