Parliament approves Iraqi PM’S resignation

Iraq’s parliament approved the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-mahdi yesterday, amid continuing violence and anti-government demonstrations in the capital that saw one protester shot dead.

Demonstrators continued to close roads, including those leading to a key port, in mass protests in southern Iraq.

Parliament enacted Mr Abdul-mahdi’s resignation without putting it to a vote. Existing laws do not provide clear procedures for members of parliament to recognise the prime minister’s resignation. Politicians acted on the legal opinion of the federal supreme court.

Security and medical officials said one protester was killed and ten wounded in Baghdad’s historic Rasheed Street. Anti-government demonstrators also took to the streets in the oilrich city of Basra.

At least 400 people have been killed since 1 October, when thousands took to the streets in mass protests. Security forces have used live fire to repel protesters.