Inside Story

Will Beirut violence trigger more turmoil in Lebanon?

At least seven people killed in street battles triggered by an investigation into the Beirut port explosion.

The streets of Lebanon’s capital Beirut are quiet after a day of violence.

But some warn it could just be the calm before the storm, in a country already in political and economic chaos.

Thursday began with Shia groups including Hezbollah holding rallies calling for the removal of the judge investigating last year’s Beirut port blast that killed more than 200 people.

The army initially said snipers fired at the demonstrators.

It has since blamed the violence on a dispute between protesters and another group.

Could this trigger more unrest in Lebanon?

Presenter: Imran Khan

Guests:

Sami Nader – Director of the Levant Institute for Strategic Affairs

Rami Khouri – Director of global engagement at the American University of Beirut

Jessica Obeid – Activist and independent energy policy consultant