[Mingbao news] the largest anti-government demonstration in four years broke out in Lebanon, protesting against tax increase and corruption. The government announced on Thursday (17) that it would levy $0.20 (about HK $1.6) per call on the widely used WhatsApp and other communication applications, after the tight budget was passed due to fiscal deficit in July. The demonstration took place within hours. Demonstrators chanted anti-government slogans of "Arab Spring", setting fire to the streets of Beirut, smashing shops and advertising light boxes and blocking roads. Dozens of people were injured when police fired tear gas and rubber bullets at the headquarters of the government. Despite the announcement by the Minister of communications on Thursday night that the tax plan would be lifted, the demonstrations have not subsided.

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