(UTV|BEIRUT) – Lebanese lawmakers on Monday passed a controversial state budget for 2020 that aims to tackle the country’s crippling financial crisis, as angry protesters threw stones at security forces massed outside the parliament.
Security forces were heavily deployed during the critical legislative meeting and beat back anti-government protesters, detaining several as well. They had sealed off the zone leading to parliament to prevent protesters from barricading the lawmakers’ path.
At one point, Monday’s rallies turned violent as protesters removed barbed wire from a road leading to parliament and were chased by riot policemen, who beat them with clubs. The protesters threw stones at the police, who detained about a dozen of them.
The Lebanese Red Cross said at least 27 people were injured, including eight who were taken to hospitals.
(Agencies)