Baghdad decrees Facebook shutdown amid Iraq protests: KRG official

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Social media site Facebook and other internet services are down in many cities across Iraq and the Kurdistan Region as of Saturday afternoon. 

The platform was shut down following a decree from Baghdad, according to Umed Mohammed, spokesperson for the KRG’s Ministry of Transport and Communications.

“Beyond Facebook, there is also pressure from the Iraqi government to block other internet services,” Mohammed told Rudaw.

He assured Facebook users in the Kurdistan Region the move is only “temporary” and that authorities are working to restore services “as soon as possible”.

Demonstrations and occupations against corruption and shortages of electricity and water are spreading across Iraq – so far reaching six provinces: Basra, Maysan, Karbala, Najaf, Babel, Dhi Qar.

Videos and photographs of protesters have been shared widely on social media platforms. 

Last updated at 17:35 p.m.