Security forces try to diffuse a protest in Bourj al-Chmali, April, 25, 2023. (Credit: Mountasser Abdallah)
BEIRUT — Fights erupted Tuesday between security forces and residents of Burj al-Shemali in Sour when security forces tried to halt illegal construction in the area.
Residents of the area on Tuesday protested the decision and claimed that it is being implemented selectively.
Videos sent to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the area show security forces beating a protestor and shooting in the air to diffuse the protest.
The head of the municipality of the area told L'Orient Today's correspondent that for the past two years, the Interior Ministry stopped giving construction licenses. Some residents have ignored the decision and initiated the construction of buildings without the required permits.
Security forces asked those building illegally to stop construction, which led to the scuffles.
"We as a municipality are against the violations and are for the law which everyone should abide by," the head of the municipality said.
Reporting contributed by Muntasser Abdallah