A clash erupted Friday between supporters of former Prime Minister Saad Hariri’s Mustaqbal Movement and protesters in Beirut’s Martyrs Square after the demonstrators made “provocative” chants.
“All of them means all of them,” protesters said, repeating a chant made popular during recent anti-government rallies and angering Mustaqbal supporters, who had gathered in Downtown Beirut ahead of a ceremony commemorating the 15th anniversary of the assassination of former PM Rafik Harri, Saad’s father.
The army and security forces intervened to separate the protesters and Mustqabal supporters.
Mustaqbal MP Sami Fatfat also intervened by asking the movement’s supporters to withdraw from Martyr’s Square.
“We expected such clashes given such opposing views. We are working to calm the situation,” he said.
Clashes soon broke out again as more Mustaqbal supporters arrived at Martyr’s Square.
The military and security forces brought in reinforcements and the unrest was contained.
Similar clashes had broken out on Thursday night at Martyr’s Square when men on motorbike attack the protesters. The protesters said the assailants were Mustaqbal supporters because they were carrying the movement’s flag and chanting slogans in support of Saad Hariri.
Abdel Salam Moussa, the movement's media coordinator, denied the claim, saying Mustaqbal supporters are known for their peaceful actions.
