The 76th anniversary of Lebanon's independence from France is marked by nationwide civil marches and protests, with thousands taking to the streets. Approximately 10.000 gather on Martyr's Square in Downtown Beirut for a “civil parade,” with more than 40 different groups of e.g. teachers, doctors, army veterans, mothers, environmentalists joining the protest. In Tripoli in the North of the country, protesters demand the release of an imprisoned political activist.