Explosive protests
Fury in Beirut in wake of deadly chemical blast
BEIRUT: Protests erupted across Lebanon on Saturday, as disdain for the country’s government grew following the explosion on Tuesday that killed more than 150 people.
Thousands of anti-government demonstrators took to Beirut streets in anger after huge deposits of chemicals were left in the port, as calls grew for the resignation of President Michael Aoun.
The protesters targeted government buildings and claimed to have obtained files and computers from inside buildings.
Police and the Lebanese army fired tear gas and rubber bullets at protesters who were throwing stones at officials.
One police officer was reportedly killed in clashes that took place in Beirut‘s Martyrs’ Square.
It is estimated 10,000 people turned up to the protest.
Countries around the world meanwhile rushed to Lebanon’s aid.
France, Lebanon’s former colonial power, has promised to organise an international aid conference to raise funds to rebuild the city.
The US has pledged to join the conference and has sent three planeloads of aid.
Turkish vice-president Fuat Oktay has offered the use of his country’s Mersin port while helping to rebuild in Beirut.
Britain has said it is “ready to go” with £5m ($9m) in aid, as well as sending search and rescue teams, medical experts and a Royal Navy ship.
It comes as the Australian citizen who died in the blast was identified as two-year-old boy Isaac Oehlers.
The boy’s family issued a statement in the wake of the tragedy: “We are heartbroken by the sudden and tragic loss of our beautiful boy following the disaster in Beirut,” the statement reads.
“Isaac was two and will be deeply missed by family and friends. The family would like to thank everyone who has offered comfort and support to us, and would like to express our condolences to everyone in Lebanon who is suffering from this devastating tragedy.”
Approximately 158 people have died from the blast with a further 6000 hurt.
Mr Aoun has said he knew of the huge chemical deposit at the Port of Beirut but had no authority over the port.