Police ordered not to 'shoot into air' to disperse protesters in Beirut

Lebanon's Interior Minister Nouhad Machnouk on Saturday said that orders were given to security forces not to shoot live bullets in the air to end protests in downtown Beirut on Saturday.

In statements earlier in the day, Machnouk stressed that any personnel of the security forces who open fire on protesters will be held accountable.

"Any peaceful protest or action is a constitutional right for all Lebanese," he said.

Lebanese police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse a mass protest in downtown Beirut on Saturday.

The clashes between the police and protesters left at least 15 demonstrators and 35 policemen injured, according to the Lebanese Red Cross.

Saturday saw the biggest demonstration by far since garbage began piling up on the streets after the capital's main landfill was closed a month ago.

The government has been unable to find an alternative system for waste management amid government paralysis and bickering among politicians.

The health minister has warned of a catastrophe as some have started dumping trash in valleys, rivers and near the sea.

The clashes escalated on Saturday after protesters accused the government of corruption and political dysfunction amid a trash crisis.

Opposition groups and activists now call on the government to step down.

Progressive Socialist Party leader Walid Jumbaltt called on Machnouk to step down over "the violent police response" to the protests.