Hundreds of Iraqis take part in anti-government protest

Hundreds of Iraqis take part in anti-government protest

2011-09-10 02:07:49 GMT+7 (ICT)

BAGHDAD (BNO NEWS) -- Hundreds of Iraqi citizens on Friday took part in an anti-government demonstration in the capital of Baghdad, the Aswat al-Iraq news agency reported. Tight security was in place.

The demands of the demonstrators varied from one group to another, but the majority demanded better services, early elections and an end to corruption. Others demanded political reforms and the ousting of the government, while a demonstrator from southwest Baghdad told Aswat al-Iraq that "we came demanding the reform of services of water and electricity as well as the security situation".

Scuffles broke out in the city's Tahrir Square, where the demonstration took place, but no injuries were reported. The issue was resolved without the intervention of police, the news agency reported.

However, security forces prevented civil activists heading for the funeral ceremony of journalist Hadi al-Mehdi, who was killed on Thursday, from entering the site of the demonstration. Protesters also denounced the assassination of the 44-year-old radio journalist.

Al-Mahdi was shot in the head twice in his flat in the Karrada district of Baghdad ahead of Friday's protest, which he was due to attend. Friends have said he had feared for his life after receiving a string of threats in recent weeks, according to Amnesty International.

"Journalists continue to pay a high price amid the ongoing violence in Iraq, and politically motivated attacks like this must no longer be tolerated," said Philip Luther, Deputy Middle East and North Africa Director at Amnesty International. "Iraqi authorities must roundly condemn Hadi al-Mahdi's killing, carry out a full investigation to identify and bring his killers to justice, and ensure other journalists who face threats are given adequate protection if they request it."

Demonstrations also took place in the cities of Hilla, Falluja, and Diwaniya where citizens demanded the withdrawal of U.S. forces. For the last two weeks, civil activists have been using social networks to organize the protests against the government, corruption, and the lack of services.

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