Protesters Square Off Against Riot Police in Downtown Beirut Over Proposed Tax Increases

A plethora of civil society groups in Lebanon organized a mass demonstration in downtown Beirut’s Riad al-Solh Square to protest against recently proposed tax increases on March 19. Protesters blocked traffic and squared off against riot police.

Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri attempted to appease protesters by appearing at the protest and speaking directly to them; however, protesters threw water bottles in his direction, according to regional media reports. No arrests have been reported at the time of writing. Credit: Periscope/@Zahriabbas2 via Storyful