Middle-east Monitor The Lebanese Shiite group Hezbollah and its Christian political allies have boycotted a cabinet meeting yesterday, highlighting the growing political …

AP

Security forces have orders to show restraint at a planned mass protest against Lebanon's government this weekend, but will not tolerate attempts by "thugs" to make trouble, Lebanon's interior minister said Friday.

Two rallies in the capital of Beirut last weekend drew 20,000 people, and dozens were hurt in clashes between protesters and security forces at the time.

hrw.org

(Beirut) – Lebanese authorities should take immediate measures to ensure that there is no repeat of violence against protestors in downtown Beirut and that perpetrators of violent attacks are held accountable, Human Rights Watch said today.

Lebanese security personnel used rubber bullets, tear gas canisters, water cannons, butts of rifles, and batons to control protesters on August 22 and 23 in downtown Beirut. Security forces also fired live ammunition, reportedly in the air, to disperse protesters.