TE24 International Desk:
BAGHDAD – At least 60 protesters were injured in central Baghdad’s Green Zone after clashes with security forces on Saturday, Iraq’s health ministry said in a statement.
Security forces used tear gas, water cannons and rubber bullets to disperse thousands of protesters who stormed the parliament building for the second time this week, local media reported.
Supporters of Iraq’s powerful cleric Moqtada Sadr gathered in the capital’s Tahrir Square on Saturday to protest the appointment of Muhammad al-Sudani as Iraq’s new prime minister, the Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported. The protesters broke through the strong barricades around the Green Zone, INA said. The capital’s highly protected Green Zone houses several government buildings and diplomatic missions.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Qadimi called on security forces to protect the protesters and urged them not to use force, adding that clashes would only escalate the situation, INA reported.
Continued political tension increases tensions and is not in the public interest. Security forces have the responsibility to protect government institutions and must use all legal means to maintain order.” Al-Qadimi said in a statement.
A stalled election has exacerbated economic woes in a country that has been reeling from months of political deadlock.
