28-03-2024 10:18 PM Jerusalem Timing

Lebanese State Prosecutor Orders Investigation into Protest Violence

Lebanese State Prosecutor Orders Investigation into Protest Violence

Lebanese State Prosecutor Samir Hammoud ordered Sunday that Military Prosecutor Judge Sakr Sakr open an investigation into Saturday’s clashes in Beirut’s Downtown area between activists and police.

Lebanese State Prosecutor Samir Hammoud ordered Sunday that Military Prosecutor Judge Sakr Sakr open an investigation into Saturday's clashes in Beirut's Downtown area between activists and police.

protestsHammoud also tasked medical professionals with examining the wounded and issuing detailed reports on the injuries, the state-run National News Agency reported.

The medical examiners were ordered to determine in their reports the type of used ammunition against protesters, amid conflicting reports on whether police used rubber bullets or live ammunition in a bid to disperse the protesters.

The investigation will seek to identify which members of the security forces opened fire at demonstrators and question them regarding the orders they were given.

The state prosecutor also ordered the interrogation of protesters accused of assaulting security officers.

A demonstration organized by the YouReek campaign escalated Saturday into clashes between police and protesters, with security forces using rubber bullets, water cannons and tear gas to disperse thousands who joined the rally in Downtown Beirut.

At least 75 demonstrators and 35 officers were wounded.