Police Respond to Protests in Beirut with Excessive Violence

Protester Abdullah’s wounds after he was shot by a rubber bullet by Lebanese security forces on August 22, 2015.
Protester Abdullah’s wounds after he was shot by a rubber bullet by Lebanese security forces on August 22, 2015. © 2015 private
5.56mm bullet casing cartridge collected at protests on August 22, 2015.
5.56mm bullet casing cartridge collected at protests on August 22, 2015. © 2015 Human Rights Watch
Protester Ahmad’s wounds after being shot by Lebanese security forces on August 22, 2015.
Protester Ahmad’s wounds after being shot by Lebanese security forces on August 22, 2015. © 2015 Private
Protester Elias sustained wounds from a projectile fired at him by Lebanese security forces on August 22, 2015.
Protester Elias sustained wounds from a projectile fired at him by Lebanese security forces on August 22. © 2015 Private

Lebanese security personnel used rubber bullets, tear gas canisters, water cannons, butts of rifles, and batons to control protesters on August 23 and 23 in downtown Beirut. Security forces also fired live ammunition, reportedly in the air, to disperse protesters.