Six dead in Baghdad protests after demonstrations turn violent

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Six dead in Baghdad protests after demonstrations turn violent

Protests in Baghdad turned from peaceful to violent, as thousands took to the streets of the Iraqi capital, calling for reform.

CGTN’s Michal Bardavid reports.
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On Saturday, followers of Shi’ite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, took to the street of the capital leading to the Green Zone in Baghdad where government buildings and embassies are located. They were they demanding an overhaul of the electoral commission.

Many of those who participated in the demonstrations are also weary of harsh living conditions in Iraq and emphasize the protests were peaceful.

Despite peaceful intentions as reported by the Interior Ministry, six people were killed and over 170 were wounded during Saturday’s demonstrations as protesters clashed with Iraqi security forces. Government representatives emphasize they are taking action.

“About the last protest – people gathered in Baghdad streets about changing members of Iraq voting commission. The Iraqi parliaments have already passed this process. In our meeting we all have voted for complete change in members of Iraq voting commission. But this needs stages and needs to be done by the law in the parliament. Not by the demand of one party, or over a day and night,” Rebwar Talabani, member of Iraqi parliament said.

These promises may not be satisfactory for the thousands who took the streets over the weekend – as their main desire is for the change in the voting commission to take place before the planned local elections in September 2017.