At least three people were killed and many more injured during a protest in
Beirut.

The protest is being led by the militant group Hezbollah and its allies
against the lead judge probing last year's massive blast in the city's port.

The exchanges of fire involving snipers, pistols, Kalashnikovs and
rocket-propelled grenades.

The protest outside the Justice Palace was called for by Hezbollah demanding
the removal of Judge Tarek Bitar.

Bitar is the second judge to lead the complicated investigation, and has come
up against strong opposition from Hezbollah, who accuse him of singling out
politicians for questioning, most of them allied with the group.

None of Hezbollah's officials have so far been charged in the 14-month-old
investigation.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati appealed for calm and urged people ``not to be
dragged into civil strife.''