Iraqi PM chairs top security council’s meeting over deadly protests
A Iraqi protesters flashes the v-sign during a demonstration against state corruption, failing public services and unemployment in the Baladiyat district of the capital Baghdad ( AFP/Getty Images )
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi has presided over an emergency meeting of the country’s National Security Council against the backdrop of mass protests that hit several Iraqi cities over unemployment, corruption and poor public services.
Mass protests continued in Iraq for the second consecutive day in Baghdad and other cities, with protesters demanding urgent reforms to the country’s deteriorating situation.
Earlier in the day, a security source said that a police officer was killed and 20 protesters were injured in clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Dhi Qar Province.
The source added that security men were among the injured.
Several Iraqi provinces saw mass protests Tuesday in response to online campaigns to express anger about the deteriorating situation in the country, topped by the lack of services, rampant corruption and high unemployment rates.