Independence Movement leader Michel Moawad condemned Saturday the government’s failure to provide the Lebanese with access to their basic rights, warning that people are reeling under the increasing burdens of a garbage crisis, power rationing and water supply shortages.

Moawad voiced support for protesters who took the streets in downtown Beirut to protest against the Cabinet’s failure to secure their basic rights, condemning the police violent crackdown on protests.

“You Stink protesters have rightful demands…the violent crackdown on protests to quell freedom of speech is unacceptable,” Moawad told MTV television.

Moawad added that the release of detained protesters represents a step in the right direction but still falls short.

“Why were they arrested in the first place?” Moawad asked, demanding that those responsible for the arrests be held accountable.

The Independence Movement leader urged the election of a president to put an end to paralysis in state institutions, urging factions across the political spectrum to assume their responsibilities.

Moawad warned that a prolonged political deadlock, awaiting a change in the regional power balance will lead to chaos in Lebanon.