Protesters in Lebanese Cities Light Fires, Refuse to Leave Streets Despite Police Push - Videos

Even before the coronavirus pandemic struck the country, Lebanese authorities were already facing public discontent over a continuing downward trend in the economy. A massive explosion in the Port of Beirut and the pandemic-induced lockdowns in 2020 only exacerbated the existing problems.

Lebanese people have taken to the streets once again as another round of anti-lockdown and anti-government protests have rocked the country's cities. In Lebanon's capital, Beirut, people have gathered at the central Riad el-Solh Square chanting slogans in support of another protest-hit city in the country's north – Tripoli.

The latter has seen nightly demonstrations throughout the week. Many of them have resulted in clashes between protesters and the police, which have tried to push the people off the streets. The unrest started over demands to end the coronavirus lockdown, but later evolved to include demands for economic support and measures to end the economic stagnation.