Friday, February 25, 2011

Iraq protests turn violent

Today violence erupted in Iraq when police fired on demonstrators and protesters burned buildings. Thousands of Iraqis have been rallying for better government services, modeling their protests after Egypt and Tunisian. Protesters in Baghdad pulled down two concrete walls, and threw rocks, resulting in multiple police beatings. Elsewhere Iraqi soldiers fired on over 250 demonstrators, killing at least eight. However, prime minister Maliki continues to affirm free-speech rights while continuing to discourage the protests. The crowds are not looking for an entirely new government, but rather are outraged at the corruption and instability that exist in the current administration.

Claire Van der Vort

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