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Security Forces Accused of Beating Protesters During Demonstrations in Beirut

Lebanese security forces were accused of beating protesters during large-scale demonstrations in Beirut on August 8 following a deadly blast that devastated the city, according to reports from journalists and human rights observers.

Authorities fired tear gas and rubber bullets as thousands of people gathered near the national parliament, Al Jazeera reported. Demonstrators chanted for the “fall of the regime,” accusing the government of being responsible for deaths caused by the explosion.

This footage captured by Human Rights Watch (HRW) researcher Aya Majzoub shows security forces in military fatigues clashing with protesters on the street.

Majzoub tweeted that the army began beating protesters “all of a sudden”, and that she was struck and her phone thrown away during the incident.

At least 175 people were treated for injuries on August 8, including 63 who were taken to hospital, the Lebanese Red Cross reported.

Human Rights Watch accused the government of inaction in the aftermath of the tragic explosion, which had resulted in 157 reported deaths at the time of the protests.

The organization called on European Council President, Charles Michel, who was meeting Lebanese government leaders on Saturday, to push for an independent investigation into the incident. Amnesty International has also called for an independent probe into the blast. Credit: Aya Majzoub, HRW via Storyful