Beirut blast protests turn violent as security forces respond with tear gas and water cannon

Protests triggered by devastating explosions in Beirut’s port became increasingly violent over the weekend of August 8-9, 2020. People took to the street to protest against the handling of the August 4 blasts, and accuse the country's elite leaders of widespread corruption. Dozens of protesters stormed three government ministry offices. On August 9, two government ministers quit over the explosion and Prime Minister Hassan Diab called for early elections. On the same day, world leaders agreed…