Demonstrators in Lebanon are blocking major roads across the country in a second day of protests against proposed new taxes, which come amid a severe economic crisis.
Hundreds of people burned tires on highways and intersections Friday, sending up clouds of black smoke in scattered protests.
Two Syrian workers died Thursday when they were trapped in a shop that was set on fire by rioters. Dozens of people were injured.
An anti-government protester sets fire on tires to block a road during a protest against government's plans to impose new taxes in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. The protests erupted over the government's plan to impose new taxes during a severe economic crisis, with people taking their anger out on politicians they accuse of corruption and decades of mismanagement. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)
The demonstrations began Thursday evening and quickly escalated into some of the biggest protests in years. They were sparked when the government announced plans for new taxes on such items as voice calls made through messaging applications, including Whatsapp.
The protests could plunge Lebanon into a political crisis with unpredictable repercussions for the economy, which has been in steady decline.
A man speaks on his smartphone while walking by black smoke from burning tires that were set on fire to block a road during a protest against government's plans to impose new taxes in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. The protests erupted over the government's plan to impose new taxes during a severe economic crisis, with people taking their anger out on politicians they accuse of corruption and decades of mismanagement. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)
Men on scooters pass tires that were set on fire to block a road during a protest against government's plans to impose new taxes in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. The protests erupted over the government's plan to impose new taxes during a severe economic crisis, with people taking their anger out on politicians they accuse of corruption and decades of mismanagement. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)
Anti-government protesters clash with riot policemen during a protest against government's plans to impose new taxes in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday, Oct. 18, 2019. Lebanon erupted in protests Thursday over the government's plans to impose new taxes amid a severe economic crisis, taking their anger on politicians they accuse of widespread corruption and decades of mismanagement. (AP PhotoHassan Ammar)