Lebanese police said 32 "rioters" have been arrested after clashes with anti-government protesters in Downtown Beirut that left 99 policemen and 61 protesters wounded.

In a statement, police said several protesters were wounded in the confrontation with police in Riad al-Solh square in Downtown.

“The Internal Security Forces regrets the events that accompanied the Beirut action, and confirms that its task is to protect the right to peaceful demonstration of citizens who do not resort to the use of violence or attack public and private property," the statement said