BEIRUT: Around 400 people were injured on Sunday during the Lebanese anti-government protests as security forces in Beirut chased protesters, said rescuers adding that this is the highest death toll recorded since the demonstrations began three months ago.
More street rallies were expected Sunday as part of popular protests since October 17 that have demanded the wholesale ouster of the Lebanese political class, which activists condemn as inept and corrupt.
Sunday morning, the streets were mostly empty as rain fell on the centre of Beirut, with police cars guarding the entrances to the main protest hub at Martyrs’ Square.
On a side street leading towards the seat of government, a tea pot lay among black cinders on the pavement where unknown perpetrators set fire to protest tents the night before.
Ali, a 34-year-old who had camped in one of the tents, said he had lost his belongings in the blaze and was left with “just the clothes I’m wearing and the papers I had in my pocket”.
But “the attack made us stronger. We will continue with even more energy to speak out the truth,” he said, as he huddled around a wood fire next to the wreckage wrapped in a thick blanket.
On Saturday, at least 377 people were injured — both protesters and members of the security forces — according to a toll compiled by AFP from figures provided by the Red Cross and Civil Defence.
