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Iraqi officials say two protesters dead, 20 others injured Saturday amid ongoing clashes
[ENGLISH.ALARABIYA.NET] Iraqi security forces fired rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse crowds of protesters on Saturday, killing two people and injuring 20 others in a third day of fierce festivities in central Baghdad, security and hospital officials said.Two protesters were struck with rubber bullets and died instantly and over 20 others were maimed in the fighting on Rasheed Street, a famous avenue known for its old crumbling architecture and now littered with rubble from days of violence. Sixteen people have died and over 100 maimed in the renewed festivities. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with regulations. At least 342 protesters have died in Iraq’s massive protests, which started on October 1 when thousands of Iraqis erupted into the streets to decry corruption and lack of services despite Iraq’s oil wealth. Separately, Iraq’s Parliament failed to hold a session on Saturday due to lack of a quorum. Lawmakers were supposed to read reform bills introduced to placate protesters. The next session was postponed to Monday. The fighting has centered on Rasheed Street and started on Thursday when protesters tried to dismantle a security forces barricade on the street, which leads to Ahrar Bridge, a span over the Tigris River that has been a repeated flashpoint. Security forces responded with barrages of tear gas and live ammunition. The violence took off again on Friday afternoon. Live rounds and tear gas cannisters were fired by security forces from behind a concrete barrier on Rasheed Street. Posted by: Fred 2019-11-24 |
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