Massive protests raged in Lebanon on Saturday for a third straight day, as demonstrators took to the streets and demanded the resignation of the government over corruption and the state of the country’s economy.
The demonstrations were triggered late Thursday when Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s government unveiled austerity measures that included a plan to place a $0.20 tax on calls made via WhatsApp.
That proposal was soon scrapped, but protesters from various religious backgrounds remained on the streets waving flags and chanting in Beirut, Tripoli, and elsewhere, angry over the crumbling state of the country and what they say is cronyism at the highest levels of government.
In some instances, clashes have broken out with security personnel and demonstrators, who have lit fires, damaged buildings, and caused street blockades.
“This country is moving towards total collapse,” protester Mohammad Awada told Reuters. “This regime has failed to lead Lebanon and it must be toppled and replaced.”
These photos show some of the demonstrations sweeping Lebanon.
