Journalists detained in Basra

BASRA / IraqiNews.com: Security forces dispersed a demonstration in front of the Basra council after clashes with protestors, eyewitnesses said, noting that a protestor was wounded and a number of journalists were arrested. “Security forces used force to disperse demonstrators, wounding one of them, and detained a number of journalists, mainly channels and news agencies’ reporters,” eyewitnesses told IraqiNews.com news agency. Protesters throughout Iraq streamed into streets on foot after authorities imposed vehicle bans on major cities ahead of rallies over corruption, unemployment and poor public services. The demonstrations come after nationwide protests in more than a dozen cities a week ago, which spurred Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to give his cabinet 100 days to shape up or face the sack. Vehicle curbs have been applied to all of Baghdad, with the capital’s streets deserted but for a handful of cars attempting to evade checkpoints, and the centre of Basra. Nassiriya, in the south, barred anyone from entering.   SH (TP) 1085