Lebanon: Protesters and police clash over waste-disposal crisis

Protests against Beirut's worsening waste disposal crisis continued to escalate on Sunday. Police hosed down protesters with water cannons, as demonstrators retaliated throwing stones and bottles, demanding that waste collection be improved. At least 30 people were injured in clashes. Around 10,000 demonstrators rallied in Riyad Solh Square near the Lebanese government's Grand Serail palace. Riot police were seen using batons to beat back protesters who tried to breach a security cordon around the square. The demonstration 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 heap up throughout the city with Beirut's port becoming a main dumping ground.