Iraq protests: Capital Baghdad blocked as unrest escalates

2019-11-03 15:22:33

Protesters have blocked the main thoroughfares in the Iraqi capital Baghdad, as mass anti-government protests continue. Demonstrators were seen parking cars at key junctions of the city as police looked on without intervening. Since 1 October, tens of thousands of people have taken part in two waves of protests to demand more jobs, an end to corruption, and better services. More than 250 have been killed in clashes with security forces. In Baghdad, protesters have been defying a curfew introduced in late October. Last week, Iraqi President Barham Saleh said Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi would resign if political parties could agree on his replacement.