Dozens slain at protests

IRAQI security forces have shot dead at least 45 protesters after demonstrators stormed and torched an Iranian consulate in what could mark a turning point in the uprising against the Tehran-backed authorities. At least 29 people died in the southern city of Nassiriya when troops opened fire on demonstrators who blocked a bridge and later gathered outside a police station. Dozens of others were wounded. Four people were killed in Baghdad, where security forces opened fire with live ammunition against protesters, and 12 died in clashes in Najaf.