The protests of the angry Iraqis continue against the deterioration of services, asking for more job opportunities and the solving of the electricity problem in a number of Iraqi cities, including the capital Baghdad.
According to media reports, thousands flowed in the streets in a number of southern cities such as Basra, Nasiriyah and Diwaniyah, as well as, the rally of hundreds in Tahrir Square, in Baghdad on Friday.
The security forces used teargas, batons and water cannons to disperse the protesters, who tried to cross the Republican Bridge towards the heavily fortified Green Zone, which includes important government offices and some foreign diplomatic missions.
A source in the Iraqi Ministry of Health reported that 33 people were injured among the Tahrir Square protestors, ranging from suffocation and injuries caused by the use of tear gas and batons by the security forces to disperse them. Media reports also confirmed the death of 4 people since the beginning of the protests in the country and after the use of live bullets.
The protestors raised banners that expressed their rejection of the ruling parties and the system of sectarian quotas. They also called for the improving of the living conditions, reforming the reality of the deteriorating services, and eliminating unemployment, as well as, eradicating poverty and rampant corruption in the state departments.
It is noteworthy that the protests began in the country on July 8th when the security forces started to shoot the young protestors in Basra, who are asking for job opportunities and accusing the government of failing in the provision of the most basic services, including electricity.
The unemployment rate among Iraqis is officially 10.8 percent, and 60 percent of the Iraq's population is under the age of 24, making unemployment rates twice higher among young people.
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