Demonstrators in Beirut have barged into government ministries during a new protest over Tuesday’s massive blast that caused the death of at least 158 dead.
Over a thousand protesters marched and took to the road. Police fired tear gas at protesters who were throwing stones. Authorities detected sounds of gunshots from central Martyrs’ Square.
Lebanese PM Hassan Diab said in a televised speech that he would call for new elections as a way out of the downturn.
He said, “We can’t exit the country’s structural crisis without holding early parliamentary elections.” The subject will be addressed at the cabinet on Monday.
Many Lebanese are upset over the ground-shaking explosion in Beirut, a result of administrative failure. It was storing more than 2,000 tons of ammonium nitrate. Six years ago, authorities confiscated the substance from a ship but never transferred it. The government has vowed that they must identify those liable.
More
- Beirut Explosion: Anti-Government Protests Break Out In City
- Beirut Explosion Kills 100, Injures 4000 and Counting
The explosion at the port destroyed parts of the city. It intensified the lack of confidence about what many views as corrupt and incompetent governing elites.
An anti-government protest movement, fuelled by an economic crisis and a collapsing currency, erupted last October.
What is happening at the ministries in Beirut?
Demonstrators have invaded government ministries and banking association head offices in the region.
The raids began after a group of individuals stormed the foreign ministry shouting anti-government phrases and destroying a picture of President Michel Aoun and calling for the takeover of all ministries.
The protestors at the ministry of foreign affairs of at least 100, included former army soldiers. Access to the building was simple because the fire had destroyed it on Tuesday.
Several hours later, media outlets claimed the army pushed the initial party of demonstrators out of the foreign ministry, but other buildings stayed occupied.
Television video shows the demonstrators bursting into the ministries of energy and economy.
Also, Soldiers were walking the streets in machine gun-mounted trucks.
