Naharnet

Protesters Rally Anew in Beirut as Numbers Dwindle

Around 60 civil society protesters staged a march Wednesday in downtown Beirut demanding better living conditions and health care in the country.

The activists first marched from Martyrs Square towards the Port of Beirut where they staged a sit-in calling for improved inspection and an end to customs evasion.

They later returned to the Riad al-Solh Square where the government's headquarters, known as the Grand Serail, is located.

Army troops, security forces and riot police escorted the demonstration to preserve order as the protesters -- whose numbers sharply dropped compared to a larger demo on Sunday – chanted slogans calling for health care cards and solutions for social crises and unemployment.

The National News Agency meanwhile reported that the Charles Helou road and the Banks Street were blocked during the protest.

Violence between protesters and security forces had marred Sunday's demonstrations which spread from central Beirut to the Beshara al-Khoury and Hamra areas. At least three journalists were also beaten by security forces during the protests.


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