Government seeks 20 cents a day for calls to Whatsapp, protesters set Beirut on fire

As foreign media report, the Lebanese government is in deep debt and passed austerity measures in July to contribute to improving the situation. This affected the lives of Lebanese citizens by even threatening pensions from retired soldiers. Moreover, some reportedly believe that corruption is hindering the country from getting needed help.

The proposal for the Anjuta Tax, along with proposals for increasing VAT and gas taxes, aroused antigovernmental sentiments there. This led to demonstrations where protesters sought change of regime and revolution.

It's the third day of protests and Internal Security Forces said 70 people have been arrested so far.

Groups of young people gathered on the streets of the capital this morning collecting tires and other materials to improvise road blockades, the AFP news agency reported.

The central part of Beirut was similar to a war zone filled with broken glass, containers of overturned waste, and remains of burnt tires.

Banks, many restaurants and shops are closed.

Lebanon is under World Bank pressure and the International Monetary Fund to implement austerity measures in exchange for financial support, writes Al Jazeera.

But protests and everything started just when the government demanded a call tax on the Whatsapp.

The renowned applicacon WhatsApp is extremely used worldwide, registering 1.5 billion worldwide. It is said that Lebanese often use its free service to make telephone calls, since it is a low - cost way to stay in touch.

Support in this ministry reportedly became the main cause of protests after weeks of tension.

Meanwhile Friday, the Lebanese government overturned the course and said new taxes would not be imposed.