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Lebanese police unleash tear gas, water cannons on thousands of protesters over trash crisis

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Activists chant slogans as Lebanese riot policemen stand guard in front the government house during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. Police have unleashed tear gas and water cannons on thousands of Lebanese demonstrating in downtown Beirut against government corruption and political dysfunction that has left garbage accumulating in the streets in suburbs of the capital for over a month. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) (The Associated Press)

Lebanese activists chant slogans during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. Police have unleashed tear gas and water cannons on thousands of Lebanese demonstrating in downtown Beirut against government corruption and political dysfunction that has left garbage accumulating in the streets in suburbs of the capital for over a month. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) (The Associated Press)

Lebanese activists shout anti-government slogans as they are sprayed by riot police using water cannons during a protest against the ongoing trash crisis, in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2015. Police have unleashed tear gas and water cannons on thousands of Lebanese demonstrating in downtown Beirut against government corruption and political dysfunction that has left garbage accumulating in the streets in suburbs of the capital for over a month. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein) (The Associated Press)

Police have unleashed tear gas and water cannons on thousands of Lebanese demonstrating in downtown Beirut against government corruption and political dysfunction that has left garbage accumulating in the streets in suburbs of the capital for over a month.

Protesters on Saturday shouted "The people want to topple the regime!" That's a phrase used by protesters during Arab Spring uprisings that toppled governments across the region. Others cried: "Revolution!"

It was the biggest protest since garbage began piling up on the streets after the capital's main landfill was closed a month ago. Some gunfire was heard in the streets, though there were no reports of anyone being wounded.

The government has been unable to find an alternative, amid government paralysis and bickering among politicians.