Lebanon: Wall protecting Government Palace removed after less than 24 hours

Lebanese Prime Minister Tammam Salam ordered the removal of a concrete wall protecting the Government Palace in Riad al-Solh Square, Beirut, Tuesday, less than 24 hours after the wall was erected amid growing protests over a waste disposal crisis that has seen tonnes of rubbish piled up on the streets of Beirut. The portable concrete wall was mocked by protesters and became a mural for graffiti artists and activists that adorned the wall with writing and paintings criticising Lebanon's divided political system. Some protesters were still present when the removal of the wall began with some taking selfies in front of the temporary wall while others climbed the wall waving Lebanese flags. Protests over Beirut's waste disposal crisis began in the city on August 22, when thousands took to the streets. Clashes broke out on both Saturday and Sunday, as police fired volleys of rubber bullets and fired water cannons at the crowd, who threw stones and bottles. Scores of people were injured in the clashes, with 40 protesters being admitted to hospital. The demonstration and subsequent 'You Stink' movement was sparked after the city's main landfill closed in July due to overcapacity, worsening the city's waste crisis. Illegal dumping has been on the increase as mountains of rubbish have since heaped up throughout the city with Beirut's port becoming a main dumping ground.