Protestors and police clash over Lebanese waste crisis - in pictures

Lebanese protesters cover their faces from tear gas during clashes with security forces following a demonstration organised by the “You Stink” campaign against the ongoing trash crisis in Beirut on Saturday. At least 16 people were wounded when clashes erupted in central Beirut between Lebanese security forces and demonstrators calling for a solution to weeks of uncollected rubbish. AFP / STR

Lebanese demonstraters set a rubbish container on fire during clashes with security forces following a demonstration, organised by the “You Stink” campaign, against the ongoing waste crisis. Thousands of protesters, including children, gathered to protest the Lebanese government’s inability to find a lasting solution to the country’s worsening waste problem. Anwar Amro / AFP

Lebanese security forces fire tear gas canisters towards protesters during clashes. Anwar Amro / AFP

Lebanese demonstraters take shelter behind a rubbish container during clashes with security forces. Thousands of protesters, including children, gathered to protest the Lebanese government’s inability to find a lasting solution to the country’s worsening waste problem. AFP / STR

On Saturday, Lebanese protestors clashed with security forces in central Beirut, leaving dozens injured. AFP / STR

A Lebanese protester holds his national flag and shouts slogans during clashes following a demonstration, organised by the “You Stink” campaign, against the ongoing waste crisis in Beirut. AFP / STR

A wounded woman is moved on a stretcher by medics during a protest against corruption and rubbish collection problems near the government palace in Beirut on Saturday. At least 10 people were wounded in clashes between Lebanese security forces and protestors. Hasan Shaaban / Reuters

Lebanese security forces use water cannons to disperse protesters during a demonstration, organised by the “You Stink” campaign, against the ongoing waste crisis. Anwar Amro / AFP

Lebanese protesters take shelter as tear gas canisters and water cannons are used to disperse them during clashes with security forces. AFP / STR

Lebanon has been locked in a rubbish disposal crisis since July 17 when the country’s largest landfill was forcibly shut down by activists. The government had promised to close the site this summer to appease locals who objected to its presence. But the government failed to find an alternative site to dispose of Beirut’s waste. On Saturday, Lebanese protestors clashed with security forces in central Beirut, leaving dozens injured.