Lebanese Information Minister Resigns

Lebanese Information Minister Manal Abdel Samad announced her resignation from the government Today, Sunday.

"After the enormous Beirut catastrophe, I announce my resignation from government," she said in a statement carried by local media, apologizing to the Lebanese public for failing to meet their aspirations and the demands of the October 17 Revolution.

Noteworthy, a Lebanese policeman was killed in clashes with demonstrators in central Beirut on Saturday, according to official figures.

Moreover, the protests have also left more than 100 people injured and dozens hospitalized.

On Saturday, the Lebanese protesters in Beirut stormed into three ministries, Foreign, Economy, and Environment, in central Beirut amid escalating clashes with the Riot Police over Tuesday’s huge explosion that left at least 158 dead.

The authorities have said they have now regained control.

Tens of thousands of protesters took to streets in Beirut, demanding the fall of the regime, but there has been violence, as police fired tear gas at stone-throwing demonstrators.

Sounds of gunfire have also been heard from central Martyrs’ Square.

During the clashes, the protesters hurled stones at the police forces, who were firing tear gas and rubber bullets. There were flashpoints at barricades designed to prevent demonstrators from reaching parliament.

But a group of several dozen chanting anti-government slogans and burning a portrait of President Michel Aoun entered the foreign ministry and called for all ministries to be occupied.

The Lebanese Red Cross said that 110 people have been injured during the demonstrations – a third have been taken to hospital.

Protesters erected mock gallows in Martyrs’ Square from which they hung cardboard cutouts of national leaders they said should be held accountable for the massive explosion Tuesday that killed more than 150 people. Many Lebanese believe the disaster is the outcome of years of poor governance and corruption.