Lebanon’s armed forces have deployed near the presidential palace east of Beirut to prevent friction between rival Lebanese protesters as the stalemate over forming a crisis government continues.
Anti-government protesters had called for a rally Sunday outside the Presidential Palace in Baabda to press President Michel Aoun to formally begin the process of forming a new government. Prime Minister Saad Hariri resigned over a month ago amid nationwide protests accusing the political elite of corruption and mismanagement of the economy.
The call prompted a counter-rally by supporters of Aoun who called him a “red line.” Army soldiers formed a human chain to separate the groups on a highway leading to the palace, preventing clashes.
Lebanese protesters carry an Arabic banner that reads, "Down with the civil war regime," as they march in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Protesters have been holding demonstrations since Oct. 17 demanding an end to widespread corruption and mismanagement by the political class that has ruled the country for three decades. (AP PhotoHussein Malla)
Meanwhile, hundreds of anti-government protesters marched toward central Beirut amid a deepening economic crisis.
Lebanese protesters wave their national flag, as they march in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Protesters have been holding demonstrations since Oct. 17 demanding an end to widespread corruption and mismanagement by the political class that has ruled the country for three decades. (AP PhotoHussein Malla)
Lebanese protesters shout slogans during a march in Beirut, Lebanon, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. Protesters have been holding demonstrations since Oct. 17 demanding an end to widespread corruption and mismanagement by the political class that has ruled the country for three decades. (AP PhotoHussein Malla)