15 injured in clashes between police – demonstrators in Sulaimaniya

SULAIMANIYA /IraqiNews.com: At least nine civilians and six policemen have been injured in clashes between demonstrators and police forces in northern Iraq’s Kurdish city of Sulaimaniya on Sunday, the city’s Emergency Hospital’s Director said. “Six demonstrators, who were among 50 of their colleagues, who blocked al-Maolawi Street in Sulaimaniya on Sunday, have been injured by bullet fire, whilst three others were wounded by stones,” Dr. Hawar Naqshabandy told IraqiNews.com news agency, adding that six policemen have been injured in clashes between the police and the demonstrators. About 50 demonstrators have blocked al-Mawlawi Street in Sulaimaniya, leading to the headquartes of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) on Sunday, in protest against non-response to their demands by the Kurdistan government, whilst the police forces prevented the demonstrators from heading to the KDP’s building. Al-Sarai Square in central Sulaimaniya had witnessed broad demonstrations since February 17th last, launched by protesters demanding political reforms, improvement of public services and putting an end for corruption in Iraqi Kurdistan. The Kurdistan Presidency and government had announced a reform program, including several items, including political, economic and service reforms, promising to implement the program within the forthcoming 3 months, in order to achieve the demands of the demonstrators. SKH (TR)/SR 328