Protester Shot Dead in Beirut's Suburbs, Becoming First Victim of Lebanese Unrest

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A protester was shot in the head in the city of Khalde, south of the Lebanese capital of Beirut, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported, citing local media and a security source.

He became the first victim of the ongoing protests in the country. The shooter was detained.

An armed man shot and critically wounded a protester blocking a road in the town of Khaldeh south of Lebanon’s capital Beirut, a security source says.https://t.co/BNnplbA2ZQ

— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) November 12, 2019

According to the channel, after Lebanese President Michel Aoun called on activists to go home, protesters blocked roads in several parts of the country, including Beirut.

Rallies began across Lebanon on 17 October. About half of the country's population took to the streets. In the first two days, the center of Beirut was swept by riots with clashes between protesters and the police. Authorities called on the military and security forces to avoid the use of force and to ensure the safety of peaceful demonstrators.