Military granted sweeping powers following explosion

LEBANON’S Parliament has approved a state of emergency in Beirut in its first session since the explosion in the city last week.

It has granted the military sweeping powers amid rising anger and political uncertainty in the capital.

The blast that killed more than 170 people and injured at least 6,000 others forced the government to resign.

Before resigning, the government declared a state of emergency in Beirut that granted the military sweeping powers including the power to declare curfews, prevent public gatherings and censor media, as well as refer civilians to military tribunals for alleged security breaches.

The move has been criticised by rights groups and other critics who say the civilian government was already operating with increased powers because of the coronavirus outbreak. Some pointed to the heavy military crackdown on protesters last week, fearing extended power could lead to increased use of force to silence dissent.

The state of emergency required parliamentary approval.

Parliament is convening in a different location to observe social distancing amid a coronavirus surge and because of protests outside the Parliament building by people who want the entire political class to step down. More protests are expected today. It is still not known what caused the fire responsible for igniting nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate stored in Beirut’s port.