Riots Reject Lockdown In Lebanon, 1 Person Killed And Hundreds Of Injured

JAKARTA - A Lebanese man was killed in a demonstration that ended in chaos in clashes with security forces in Tripoli, North Lebanon on Thursday, January 28 local time.

This demonstration has been going on for three days. Citizens are worried about their economic situation after the government imposed a 24-hour curfew this month to suppress the COVID-19 outbreak that has killed more than 2,500 people in the country.

Security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the protesters who threw stones, Molotov cocktails and set cars on fire. Witnesses and local media said riot police also fired live bullets when protesters resisting the lockdown tried to storm the government building.

"The 30-year-old man died of his wounds after the clashes which injured many people," residents and local media said. Meanwhile, local security sources said the protesters were hit by bullets.

In a demonstration the day before which also ended in chaos, 226 protesters and police were injured. This includes nine security guards who were injured when a hand grenade was thrown while on patrol.

There has been no immediate response from the police on whether live ammunition was fired and whether a protester was killed.

“People are tired. There is poverty, misery, lockdowns and no jobs. Our problem is the politicians, "said Samir Agha at the pre-riot protests.

It is known, before the imposition of restrictions and curfews, Lebanon was in economic trouble since 2019. In fact, it is said to pose the greatest risk to economic stability, after the civil war period in 1975-1990.

Restrictions and curfews make people's economies even more difficult, as the majority of Lebanese today rely on daily wages.