LEBANON RIOTS: PROTESTERS TAKE TO STREETS FOR THIRD NIGHT OVER VIRUS LOCKDOWN

Thu 28 January 2021:

Several protesters in Lebanon’s second-largest city have been injured after security forces fired live ammunition during riots on Wednesday, the third consecutive day of protests against economic hardship during a nationwide coronavirus lockdown.

The violence marked a sharp escalation in confrontations in the northern city of Tripoli that began on Monday and continued for three straight days into Wednesday night. The city is the second largest in Lebanon, and the most impoverished.

Earlier, police fired tear gas and water cannons at dozens of young men who tried to storm a government building in the city. The Red Cross, in a statement, said its volunteers transported 11 people to hospital, while 63 others were lightly injured and treated on the spot.

The latest protests come nearly three weeks into a nationwide COVID-19 lockdown that aims to prevent the country’s healthcare sector from collapsing amid a significant surge in the number of new cases and the number of COVID-related deaths. The small Mediterranean nation of about six million has so far recorded more than 285,000 cases and 2,477 deaths, with a record 73 deaths on Tuesday.

But the heavy lockdown was rolled out without economic support, in a country where more than half the population is poor.

The Lebanese Red Cross said it had provided medical attention to 82 people during the protests, transporting 15 people to hospital.

Hundreds had taken to the streets on Wednesday afternoon to denounce the absence of any economic aid despite a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, which forces almost all businesses to close and almost everyone to remain home.

Security forces including the Lebanese Army had earlier used tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to disperse a crowd that was apparently attempting to break into the Serail, near the city’s central Al Nour square.

At least 74 people were injured in Wednesday’s protests, with 11 requiring hospitalisation, according to figures from the Lebanese Red Cross.

Two separate videos from Wednesday’s protests appear to show petrol bombs being thrown by rioters at the Serail, as some in the crowd cheer. Petrol bombs were also thrown towards security forces on previous nights.

Security forces, meanwhile, used large amounts of tear gas and rubber bullets against the crowd.

The Lebanese currency has tumbled, losing over 80% of its value. Banks have imposed controls on withdrawals and transfers to protect dwindling foreign reserves. Unemployment and inflation have skyrocketed and tens of thousands have been thrown into poverty.

On Wednesday, Lebanon hit a new daily record for COVID-19 fatalities, registering 76 deaths Hospitals are struggling with COVID-19 patients, reporting near full occupancy in ICU beds. Nearly 290,000 infections have been recorded since last February and 2,553 deaths.