Lebanon's PM Diab condemns Tripoli protest violence
Protesters demanding an end to the lockdown set fire on Thursday night to several buildings in the impoverished city of Tripoli.
Lebanon’s leaders have denounced the violence that gripped the northern city of Tripoli overnight Thursday, following days of clashes between protesters and police.
For the past week, residents of one of Lebanon’s most impoverished cities have taken to the streets, pressing for an end to the 24-hour coronavirus lockdown that has worsened already dire economic conditions across the country. The unrest escalated on Thursday night, with a mob of protesters setting fire to the Tripoli municipal government building.
Caretaker Prime Minister Hassan Diab said condemnation is not enough, pledging to have the “criminals” arrested “one by one” and referred to the judiciary.
“The criminals who torched the Tripoli municipality, attempted to set ablaze the Sharia Court and wreaked havoc in the city … have expressed deep hatred against Tripoli,” he said in a statement.
