Lebanon paralysed by nationwide protests over proposed taxes

Nationwide protests paralysed Lebanon on Friday as thousands of demonstrators blocked major roads in a second day of rallies against the government's handling of a severe economic crisis and the country's political class they perceive as being corrupt.

The protests are the largest Lebanon has seen since 2015 and could further destabilise a country whose economy is already on the verge of collapse and has one of the highest debt loads in the world.

The protests, which drew people from all religious and political backgrounds, were largely peaceful, although violence erupted in several areas.

The protests could plunge Lebanon into a political crisis with unpredictable repercussions for the economy, which has been in steady decline for the past few years.

Some of the protesters said they would stay in the streets until the government resigns.

Time and again, the protesters shouted "Revolution!" and "The people want to bring down the regime," echoing a refrain chanted by demonstrators ...