Beirut (AsiaNews) – The toll from yesterday’s protests organized in the Lebanese capital Beirut by the group "You Stink" (You smell) is of one dead and 20 injured. Thousands had taken to the streets in the protest that led to a clash with police in the heart of the capital (pictured). This morning the group announced that today’s planned event was postponed and that they will explain the reasons for the move in a press conference scheduled in the afternoon.
The "You Stink" campaign was born following the government's decision to close the Naameh landfill, a decision which resulted in large quantities of garbage piling up in the city. Backed by large sections of the public, the group is calling on the government to reopen the landfill. What remains unclear is whether this is supported by those who live near the site, who describe an unbearable daily life and report health problems caused by gaseous emissions from the landfilll.
The government has so far failed to make a decision on waste management due to internal conflicts. Moreover, as reported today in the As Safir newspaper, the Speaker of Parliament, Nabih Berri has urged the Prime Minister Tammam Salam to find a way to reopen the Naameh landfill.
Some sections even believe that Iran is exploiting the issue of the Naameh landfill, in an attempt to press the weak link of the Arab world, in reaction to attempts by Saudi Arabia and Turkey to reduce its regional influence, following the gains Tehran has made since signing the nuclear deal.