PHOTO: A mother and her children run from tear gas and gunfire during a Beirut protest on Saturday


UPDATE 0945 GMT: Protesters are still in central Beirut, but no clashes have reported this morning:


ORIGINAL ENTRY: Protests in Lebanon’s capital Beirut against corruption, political paralysis, and mismanagement — amid an escalating garbage crisis — were confronted by police firing tear gas, rubber bullets, and water cannons on Saturday.

Lebanese Red Cross spokesman George Kattaneh said at least 15 protesters were wounded, one critically, and warned that the numbers would rise as clashes continued.

Police said 35 officers were wounded as they tried to disperse protesters trying to break into a security zone near Parliament and other Government buildings.

Thousands of demonstrators had gathered in downtown Beirut, shouting, “The people want to topple the regime!” The rally was the largest since Beirut’s main landfill was closed a month ago, prompting an online movement “You Stink!” calling for protests and camps.

Sounds of gunfire as protesters gather in a main square in Beirut:

Lebanese security forces begin firing into the air as protesters reach their lines near the Parliament building:

Protesters flee from tear gas:

Other video showed people gathered around a shot teenager, as a woman screams.

The protest began in Riyad Solh Square near the Government building and later moved to nearby Martyrs’ Square, with demonstrators pledging to stay the night.

“We want to live in our country,” read one poster. Another chided politicians, “Some trash should NOT be recycled.”

Interior Minister Mohammad Machnouk, currently abroad, said those who opened fire with live ammunition would be held accountable. He also pledged to resolve the trash crisis at next week’s Cabinet meeting.

With the Government unable to find an alternative system for waste management, some residents have burned trash on the streets, producing toxic fumes. The health minister has warned of a catastrophe amid dumping of garbage in valleys, rivers and near the sea.

Lebanon’s coalition government has not had a President for more than a year. Parliament, extending its term twice, has not convened because legislators differ on whether they can continue working before voting for the new president.