Lebanon’s security forces shot at unarmed Beirut protesters: Amnesty International

Aug 11, 2020

The Lebanese army and security forces shot at unarmed protesters during largely peaceful demonstrations in the wake of the deadly Beirut port explosion, Amnesty International found.

Tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets over the weekend, demanding the removal of a government widely blamed for the blast at the port last week. On Monday, Prime Minister Hassan Diab announced he and his ministers would be resigning.

As protesters called for reform on Saturday, security forces fired tear gas, rubber bullets and pump-action pellets into the crowds, Amnesty International said. The rights group compiled its report using testimony from victims, eyewitnesses and physicians.

The group also verified video of security forces that showed a “punitive shoot-to-harm use of force.” The analysis also confirmed security forces dressed in civilian clothes had fired into crowds.

“Instead of meeting its basic responsibilities toward the thousands of people left homeless and impacted by the blasts, the state seems to be on the attack against its population,” said Lynn Maalouf, Amnesty International’s Middle East research director.