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Protesters clash with police in Lebanon over garbage crisis

Xinhua, October 9, 2015 Adjust font size:

Several policemen and protesters were injured Thursday as security forces fired tear gas and water cannon to disperse demonstrators who tried to enter al-Nejmeh Square in Beirut where the parliament is located, the National News Agency (NNA) reported.

NNA said at least 10 protesters suffered suffocation due to tear gas inhalation.

The Internal Security Forces said in a statement that several of its members were injured after protesters "hurled rocks and solid objects" at them.

Demonstrators started gathering at Martyrs Square on Thursday evening upon a call by the "You Stink" campaign, trying to reach al-Nejmeh Square.

A statement released by the campaign organizer demanded "the sacking of the environment minister."

"Remove the garbage that has been accumulating outside our homes," the statement said, referring to the garbage crisis that erupted after the closure of the Naameh landfill on July 17.

The protesters also demanded "immediate parliamentary elections that guarantee the proper representation of the Lebanese people without any discrimination."

The crisis has sparked angry protests that initially focused on waste management but grew later to frustrations with water and electricity shortage and political issues. Endit