First victim marked

Protests against Lebanon's government have escalated today. Thousands of protesters gathered in downtown Beirut and clashed with police.

Some managed to access the Foreign Ministry and the Banks Association, while police have responded with tear gas.

According to AFP, at least one policeman died during the clashes, while the Lebanese Red Cross says 63 people have been sent to hospital for treatment, while another 175 have been treated on the ground, Euronews reported.

Protests follow the powerful explosion that took place at the port of Beirut, which left about 158 people dead and some 300 thousand homeless. Officials said the blast had occurred because of a 2750-ton ammo nitrate ship held six years in port.

The country's prime minister has called on opposition parties to set aside divisions and promised early elections, while protesters have been seen clashing violently with police.

Anti-government protests have continued for several months in Beirut, prompted by the worst economic crisis the country has seen, which caused the local currency to drop about 80% against the dollar.

Protesters have protested several times, accusing government officials of corruption and especially attacking banks. The government, on the other hand, is discussing with the IMF to save the economy.