Thousands join anti-corruption protests across Iraq
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Widespread anti-corruption demonstrations took place in the capital Baghdad and other Iraqi provinces on Friday as protesters demanded reforms to combat rising corruption in government institutions.
Protests took place simultaneously in Karbala, Muthana, Babil and Najaf.
Violence broke out in Muthana, southern Iraq.
In the holy city of Najaf, demonstrators gathered in front of the office of top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, asking him to support anti-corruption efforts.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has proclaimed on several occasions that Iraq’s new battle, after ISIS, is one against corruption.
According to Iraqi media, thousands of people poured into Baghdad’s Tahrir square. It was reported the protests took place under tight security measures.
Protests took place simultaneously in Karbala, Muthana, Babil and Najaf.
Violence broke out in Muthana, southern Iraq.
In the holy city of Najaf, demonstrators gathered in front of the office of top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, asking him to support anti-corruption efforts.
Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has proclaimed on several occasions that Iraq’s new battle, after ISIS, is one against corruption.