New Iraq PM orders release of protesters, promotes general

BAGHDAD — Iraq’s judiciary ordered courts on Sunday to release antigovernment protesters, carrying out one of the first decisions of the recently inaugurated prime minister as dozens of demonstrators burned tires in renewed protests against the new leadership.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi also promoted a well-respected Iraqi general, who played a key role in the military campaign against the Islamic State, to lead counterterrorism operations.

Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi was demoted last year by ex-PM Adel Abdul-Mahdi, sparking outrage and protests in northern Iraq and Baghdad.

The Supreme Judiciary Council said it had ordered the release of protesters detained since those demonstrations erupted.