Demonstrators running away from tear-gas. Picture credit: Fredo Bahd

Demonstrators headed out from the villages towards their lands again this week, as they have been doing every Friday in alMa'asara for the past four years. Dozens of people, chanting and singing in French, English, Italian and Arabic, were met by a large contingent of soldiers positioned by the entrance to the village in an attempt to block the protesters progress.

Demonstrators held speeches before soldiers tried to forcefully disperse them. Picture credit: Fredo Bahd

On noticing the soldiers, a group of the demonstrators skirted the soldiers by stepping down to the main road. The army responded violently, using concussion and tear-gas at the crowd, which was forced to retreat some, but continued chanting and singing, and would not be dispersed.

Demonstrators chanting and marching to their lands. Picture credit: Fredo Bahd

One French activist was hurt by a concussion grenade that exploded by her ear. She was evacuated to the hospital, where she required four stitches and was kept overnight to test for hearing problems. A journalist was also detained by the soldiers, but released after a short while.