Social media raises a stink

Social media raises a stink. Security forces had to remove about 30 protesters who had stormed the Ministry of Environment in Beirut, Lebanon and begun a sit-in on Tuesday. On Twitter, members of the #YouStink movement asked citizens to go to the ministry, which is located near Riad Al Solh Square in the Lazarieh building complex. The activists were demanding the resignation of Environment Minister Mohammad Machnouk, who has refused to leave his office and is staying under police protection. There were clashes between the protestors and riot police outside the compound, as many of the activists were refusing to leave. Lebanon has faced increasing protests over the past few weeks due to the tonnes of rubbish that is piled up on the streets for over a month. The government struggles to find a solution to the problem.

#YouStink - The movement wants Beirut to provide funds to municipalities to begin garbage management programs.

Dear #YouStink community, we need your support; Complaints are about the rents that are insanely increasing ! pic.twitter.com/LQZJ75RB6A— Observer (@_i_Watch) September 2, 2015

@ConorMichael28: “We are witnessing transformative movements in #Iraq and #Lebanon. #YouStink #Beirut #Baghdad #protest”

To recap this day, a fairly unexpected move from #YouStink, faced by a fairly expected move from the Government. To be cont…— عبدالفتاح البقعاوي (@3bdalftahalbq3a) September 2, 2015

Don't you love it when rival politicians come out to defend each other's track record! #YouStink— Abou Abed-أبو العبد (@theabouabed) September 2, 2015

@HusseinTham: “#YouStink Lebanon’s rules must change. One guy. One vote. One Lebanon.”

Lots of politically biased articles in 2day newspapers about #YouStink protest yesterday but also some serious assessments worth reading— CTorbey كارين طربيه (@carinetorbey) September 2, 2015

@ritakml: “You cannot protect your kids from the viruses and diseases that come from incinerating garbage or leaving it on the streets to rot. #YouStink”

As we calmly protest, they beat us with their night sticks. Fantastic dictatorship we got going on here in Lebanon. #YouStink— Fouad (@FouadShaban25) September 2, 2015

@s_wrizvi: “Could the #YouStink movement bring down a govt (over garbage no less!)?”