Iraq protests: 2 dead, 200 injure

Anti-government demonstrations have resumed in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, 2 people killed and more than 200 were injured.

According to details, police fired live ammunition and volleys of tear gas canisters to disperse the protesters, which worsened the condition of several people.

Police officials said, the protesters turned towards the government offices which led to the operation.

It should be noted that since the beginning of October, the death toll has increased by more than 150 during the ongoing protests against the government.

Things got tense when protesters tried to march towards green zone in Baghdad, after which the police opened fire. The green zone is the area where embassies and government offices of other countries are located.

The government’s statement called on citizens to avoid harming national security in the face of protests.

Thousands of people, including university graduates, took to the streets of the capital city of Iraq and other cities to protest against unemployment, corruption and poor services.

The Iraqi government blamed “groups of riot inciters” for the violence and said the security forces were working to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters.

On the other hand the United Nations is urging authorities in Iraq to allow citizens to exercise their right to freedom of expression after the security forces opened fire on mass anti-government protests.

The UN human rights office, OHCHR, said reports indicate that up to 100 people have been killed and over 4000 people are being injured in demonstrations across the country.