Security Members and Civilians Interrogated over Weekend Demos
Military Prosecutor Judge Dani al Zaani kicked off interrogations with security members and civilians who were arrested against the backdrop of the demonstrations in Downtown Beirut that turned into a war zone over the weekend leaving several injured, al-Joumhouria daily reported.
Some detainees were released after it became clear that they were not involved in the riots or attacks on the security forces, the National News Agency reported.
“Investigations were kicked off with scores of security members, mainly the anti-riot police, who engaged in a confrontation with undisciplined demonstrators from behind both sides of the barbed wire,” informed sources told the daily on Tuesday.
“Probes have also included seven civilians who had major roles in orchestrating the riots and are still under arrest for investigations,” the sources stated.
They added that the investigations are taking a very fast pace in order to conclude the file as soon as possible.
A forensic doctor has been tasked to check the injured individuals that has shown rubber bullets injuries.
On the other hand, related authorities said they received detailed reports from security forces factions who were on the ground during Saturday and Sunday demonstrations, stating that more than 100 military members were injured.
Anger about the heaps of trash accumulating in Beirut's streets boiled over this week with thousands protesting in the street against a government so dysfunctional it can't hold elections or pick a president, much less deliver basic services.
The "You Stink" garbage campaign called for protests which began as peaceful demonstrations but turned violent this weekend.
A small group of young men repeatedly tried to tear down a barbed wire fence in Riad al-Solh square separating the crowds from the Lebanese government building, which houses the prime minister's office and the Cabinet.
On Saturday and Sunday night, police fired tear gas and water cannons at the protesters, battling them in the streets of Beirut in dramatic clashes. Sporadic gunfire could be heard in the street. The two days of chaos wounded dozens.
D.A.
G.K.
Source: Agence France Presse, Naharnet
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