Lebanese police clash with activists protesting parliament extension

PressTV
June 20, 2013

Lebanese activists clash with the riot police during a protest against the extension of the parliament term in Beirut on June 20, 2013.

Clashes have erupted in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, between security forces and demonstrators protesting the extension of the parliament’s term.

The clashes between the protesters and security forces took place on Thursday near the parliament building.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

On May 31, 2013, the Lebanese government decided to extend the parliament until November 2014, while the lawmakers’ term has actually terminated.

The demonstrators are now calling for the government to hold a parliamentary election originally scheduled for June, so that people can elect a new legislative body.

They criticized the extension of parliament as unconstitutional and urged the government to respect democracy.

MRS/SS/HMV