More deaths as police open fire

Security forces opened fire directly at hundreds of anti-government demonstrators yesterday in central Baghdad, killing at least 17 protesters and injuring dozens, hours after Iraq’s top Shiite cleric warned both sides to end four days of violence “before it’s too late”.

The latest deaths raised the number of people killed in clashes during ongoing protests to about 60 and marked a sharp escalation in the use of force against unarmed protesters.

But neither the government nor demonstrators appear to be willing to back down from unrest that has presented the most serious challenge for Iraq since the defeat of the Islamic State group two years ago.

Spontaneous rallies, which began midweek, started as mostly young demonstrators took to the streets demanding jobs, improved services like electricity and water, and an end to corruption in the oil-rich country.

Authorities blocked the internet and imposed an around-the-clock curfew in the capital, but the protesters, many of whom camped on the streets, gathered near Tahrir in defiance.

After Friday prayers around sunset, protester numbered more than 1000 and forces opened fire.