Violence escalates in Iraq even after top cleric urges calm

Anti-government protesters set fires and close a street during a demonstration in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Oct. 4, 2019.

Spontaneous rallies, which began Tuesday, started as mostly young demonstrators took to the streets demanding jobs, improved services like electricity and water, and an end to corruption in the oil-rich country. Following Friday prayers around sunset, the number of protesters grew to more than 1,000 and forces opened fire in side streets to prevent more people from reaching the square, which was sealed off.

Rasoul Saray a 34-year-old unemployed Baghdad resident who wore a green mask, vowed to continue protesting despite the crackdown.ADVERTISEMENT “The government and the political sides have not fulfilled the demands of the people to fight corruption,” al-Sistani said in a sermon delivered by his representative Ahmed al-Safi in the Shiite holy city of Karbala.

Earlier, he asked members of his coalition, which controls the largest bloc in parliament, to boycott sessions until the government puts forth a program acceptable to the people.In an address to the nation, he said the protesters’ “legitimate demands” had been heard, adding that the security measures used against the demonstrations were like “bitter medicine” that needs to be swallowed.

Philippines Latest News, Philippines Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

Iraq forces fire on dozens of protesters in BaghdadThe security forces fired directly at the protesters, not in the air, an Agence France-Presse correspondent says.There is no immediate word on any casualties.
Source: rapplerdotcom - 🏆 4. / 86 Read more »

Top Shiite cleric endorses protests in blow to embattled Iraq PMIraq's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani says the government needs to act now 'before it's too late' to address popular grievances or the protests would simply intensify.
Source: rapplerdotcom - 🏆 4. / 86 Read more »

Thousands in bloody protests across Iraq, 31 deadThousands of protesters clashed with riot police in Iraq's capital and across the south on Thursday, the third day of mass rallies that have left 31 dead.
Source: manilabulletin - 🏆 25. / 51 Read more »

Protests escalate in Iraq: 9 dead, hundreds woundedBAGHDAD - At least seven people were killed and dozens were wounded in clashes that spread across several Iraqi provinces on Wednesday as security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas for the
Source: inquirerdotnet - 🏆 3. / 86 Read more »

Top Shiite cleric endorses protests in blow to embattled Iraq PMIraq's Shiite spiritual leader Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani says the government needs to act now 'before it's too late' to address popular grievances or the protests would simply intensify.
Source: rapplerdotcom - 🏆 4. / 86 Read more »

Iraqi PM addresses nation, urges protesters to go homeBAGHDAD — Iraq’s premier on Friday urged anti-government protesters to go home, saying their “legitimate demands” have been heard while also comparing security measures imposed in the
Source: inquirerdotnet - 🏆 3. / 86 Read more »