Fury over Beirut blast fuels protests, clashes with police Public fury over this week’s massive explosion in Beirut took a new turn as protesters stormed government institutions and clashed for hours with security forces, who responded with tear gas and rubber bulletsBEIRUT -- Public fury over this week’s massive explosion in Beirut took a new turn Saturday night as protesters stormed government institutions and clashed for hours with security forces, who responded with heavy volleys of tear gas and rubber bullets. The blast was fueled by thousands of tons of ammonium nitrate that had been improperly stored at the port for more than six years. “Resignation or hang,” read a banner held by protesters, who also planned to hold a symbolic funeral for the dead. Dozens of protesters stormed the buildings of government ministries and the headquarters of the banking association, turning their rage to state and financial institutions. In central Beirut, some protesters threw stones at security forces, who then released heavy tear gas.

Source: ABC News August 08, 2020 09:08 UTC