Several demonstrators arrested in connection to shutting down highway in Beirut

Several demonstrators arrested in connection to shutting down highway in Beirut
December 13, 2019, 10:51 am

Demonstrators shout slogans during ongoing anti-government protests at a highway in Jal el-Dib. (Photo Reuters)

Seven protesters were arrested Friday in connection to shutting down Jal el-Dib highway, to the north of Beirut, the National News Agency reported.

Clashes erupted between the Lebanese army and a number of protesters after they tried to block the major road in order to pressure political officials to expedite parliamentary consultations in order to form a new government, according to NNA.

The army has since reopened the Jal el-Dib highway completely.

Lebanese President Michel Aoun’s formal consultations with parliamentary blocks to designate a new prime minister are scheduled to take place on December 16.

Demonstrators have been taking to the streets of Lebanon since October and are fueled by deep resentment for a ruling class seen as mired in corruption, which drove the economy into crisis.

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