Australian premier mobbed by Lebanese protestors

Violent scuffles broke out between police and pro-Lebanon protesters who mobbed Australia’s prime minister today, demanding more government action to bring peace in the Middle East.

Prime Minister John Howard was leaving a state conference of his Liberal Party in the city of Perth when about 200 protesters of Lebanese descent mobbed his car, Australian Associated Press (AAP) said.

Protesters punched and kicked police and threw projectiles at the car, AAP reported.

Howard’s entourage sped from the scene as police wrestled protesters to the ground. At least one protester was arrested and taken away by police.

Protest leader Muhammad El Khatib said he has family in Lebanon and the Australian government was not doing enough to broker peace in the region.

“Hezbollah is protecting Lebanon, they are freedom fighters, not terrorists,” he said.