Policeman and protesters killed in clashes as 1,000s protest near Baghdad 'Green Zone'

RT
Sat, 11 Feb 2017 15:39 UTC

© Alaa Al-Marjani / Reuters

Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr in Baghdad, Iraq February 11, 2017.

An Iraqi police officer was killed in clashes with protesters near Baghdad's Green Zone, where thousands of supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr had rallied. Local media report that several protesters were injured as police deployed tear gas.

One police officer was killed and seven others were wounded in clashes with the demonstrators on Saturday, an Iraqi interior ministry spokesman said, according to Reuters.

Protests against corruption, which are also demanding changes in the Iraq's current election laws, are taking place in the center of the Iraqi capital for the second consecutive day.

On Friday, people gathered in Tahrir Square holding up placards reading: "Peace! No to corrupt authorities." Similar demonstration took place on Wednesday.

The area, which is also known as the International Zone of Baghdad, is home to the Iraqi parliament, government buildings, and many foreign embassies.

© Alaa Al-Marjani / Reuters

Local media and activists have reported that demonstrators have been killed and injured in clashes with police.

© Alaa Al-Marjani / Reuters

According to Rudaw news, at least two people died and dozens were injured.

A local activist and journalist posted a photo of one of the alleged victims.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called on the participants in the rally to "abide by the law," Reuters reported.

© Alaa Al-Marjani / Reuters

Last year, thousands of the cleric's loyalists staged two major protests just outside the heavily fortified Green Zone. In April of 2016, crowds entered the parliamentary building in the Green Zone, prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency in the Iraqi capital.

Al-Sadr became a prominent figure after his so-called Mahdi Army fought US troops during the 2003 invasion. The Iraqi army was dissolved in 2008 and replaced by the Peace Brigades.

Comment: Update: Number of Victims in Baghdad Clashes Rises to 5, Over 300 Wounded

The number of victims in clashes between demonstrators and police in Iraq's capital of Baghdad has risen to five, while 320 people have been wounded, Al Arabiya broadcaster reported Saturday, citing a local official.

Sadr called on his supporters to calm down, criticizing the excessive use of force, while Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi called on citizens not to violate law and stressed that they were not deprived of the right to conduct peaceful demonstrations.

Several Projectiles Hit Baghdad Gov't Quarter

Several projectiles hit the government quarter in Baghdad on Saturday, where many key state institutions and foreign diplomatic missions are located, local media reported.

According to Al Arabiya television broadcaster the shelling is currently underway. No information regarding casualties has been provided yet.