Saturday, February 26, 2011

15 dead in Iraq protests
Fri Feb 25, 2011 4:20PM
 PressTV
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Iraqi protesters hold up signs and empty gasoline containers during a demonstration against lack of electricity, corruption, poor public services and high unemployment in Kirkuk on February 25, 2011.
At least fifteen people have been killed and many others have been injured after Iraqi security forces clashed with protesters demanding better living conditions.

Inspired by the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia, massive groups of Iraqi protesters took to the streets of the capital Baghdad and other major cities for a "Day of Rage" on Friday, protesting against corruption, unemployment and poor government services.

The protesters, who also call for political reforms, do not seek regime change but want Americans to stop meddling in Iraqi affairs.

The peaceful rallies turned violent after Iraqi security forces clashed with protesters in the cities of Mosul and Hawijah -- located about 60 kilometers west of Kirkuk.

Five people were killed and 20 others wounded in central Mosul after Iraqi security forces opened fire on demonstrators who tried to force their way into a provincial council building.

Clashes in Hawijah also left two protesters dead and many others injured. According to Iraqi police, security forces opened fire after protesters set fire to a local council building.

Security forces have also opened fire on protesters in Anbar and Salaheddin Provinces, wounding at least 10 people.

There were unconfirmed reports of deaths in other cities.

In Basra, south of Baghdad, the governor resigned from his post after about 4,000 protesters gathered outside his office demanding his resignation.

In the capital Baghdad, where several hundreds of demonstrators have already gathered in the city's Liberation Square, authorities have banned traffic in the city center and deployed several thousand soldiers on the streets.

Security forces have also blocked every road leading into Baghdad in an attempt to stop protesters from carrying out their planned day of rage.

On Thursday, Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki urged citizens not to participate in Friday's planned protests, claiming that demonstrations were organized by al-Qaeda insurgents and loyalists to former Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein to create chaos in the country.

HM/HGH/MMN
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