Lebanon Parliament Approves Sweeping Powers For The Army

France 24: Lebanon's military gets sweeping new powers amid anger over Beirut explosion

Lebanon's Parliament on Thursday approved a state of emergency in Beirut in its first session since the catastrophic Aug. 4 explosion, granting the military sweeping powers amid rising popular anger at official corruption and mismanagement and political uncertainty.

The government resigned after the blast that killed more than 170 people, injured at least 6,000 and wrecked the capital's port and caused widespread damage across the capital.

The disaster has raised popular fury toward Lebanon's leaders to a new level as the country reels from an unprecedented economic and financial crisis, along with the coronavirus pandemic.

Before it resigned, the government declared the state of emergency that gave the military the power to declare curfews, prevent public gatherings and censor the media, as well as refer civilians to military tribunals for alleged security breaches. The action required approval by lawmakers, which they granted Thursday.

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More News On The Crisis In Lebanon

Lebanon parliament approves sweeping powers for the army -- Al Jazeera
Lebanon’s Parliament Confirms State of Emergency, Extending Army Power -- NYTimes
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Macron warns Iran over interference as Lebanon President claims blast damage cost $15 billion -- WION
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