Lebanon: Security strengthened in Beirut as deadline for 'You Stink' demands approaches

Construction workers were busy constructing fences around the Grand Serail in Beirut, Monday, as the deadline for the government to accept the demands of the 'You Stink' protesters approached. On Saturday the leaders of the 'You Stink' movement issued a 72-hour ultimatum to the Lebanese government, demanding a solution to the ongoing waste disposal crisis that has seen tonnes of rubbish piled up on the streets of Beirut. The ultimatum also calls for the resignation of Environment Minister Mohammad Mashnuq and for elections to replace the government that has been in power since 2009. The 'You Stink' movement has promised to escalate its protests if the demands are not met by Tuesday evening. The 'You Stink' campaign was launched after the Environment Ministry closed the Naameh landfill site on July 17 without providing an alternative for Beirut and its suburbs. The worsening rubbish crisis also sparked heavy criticism of the Lebanese government at its core, resulting in fierce clashes between demonstrators and security forces since last weekend. Demonstrations have seen one protester killed and multiple other protesters and security forces injured so far.