Lebanese fire tear gas at thousands of protesters in Beirut

BEIRUT (AP) — Police unleashed tear gas and water cannons Saturday on thousands of Lebanese demonstrating against the government corruption and political dysfunction that has allowed garbage to pile up in the streets of Beirut for over a month.

Protesters shouted slogans used during the Arab Spring, crying out: "The people want to topple the regime!" and "Revolution!"

It was the biggest protest since garbage began piling up on the streets after the capital's main landfill was closed a month ago. Some gunfire was heard in the streets, though there were no reports of anyone being wounded.

The government has been unable to find an alternative, amid government paralysis and bickering among politicians.

Some residents have resorted to burning trash on the streets, sending toxic fumes over the city's skyline and into homes. The health minister has warned of a catastrophe as some have started dumping trash in valleys, rivers and near the sea.

The protest was organized by an online group calling itself "You Stink!" and other civil society groups. They called on Lebanese to join them in a revolt against the corrupt system and said they plan to stay in downtown Beirut near the government building and parliament.

Police fired tear gas, launched water cannons and beat back protesters with batons after some of them tried to push through a security cordon.

"We want to live in our country," read one poster carried by a protester. Another protester carried a poster reading: "Some trash should NOT be recycled" written in red over photos of Lebanese politicians.

Lebanon has a sectarian power-sharing system that ensures equal representation between the country's main religious sects. That often means complete paralysis.

The country has been without a president for more than a year. Parliament has extended its own term twice and has not convened because lawmakers differ on whether they can continue working before voting for a president.

It was not clear whether the snowballing protest movement would turn into something bigger. Lebanese have rarely taken to the streets unless it was for a political cause backed by a political party. Those behind recent protests have urged more people to join them.