Iraqi security forces Friday
opened fired on dozens of protesters gathering in Baghdad for a fourth day of
demonstrations against corruption, unemployment, and poor public services, an
AFP correspondent reported.
Police and medical sources have
confirmed a death toll increase to 44 nationwide since the beginning of the
protests on Tuesday
The security forces fired directly
at the protesters, not in the air, the correspondent said.
Tensions have been exacerbated by
a near-total internet blackout as the authorities seek to prevent protesters
communicating with each other or posting footage of the chaotic demonstrations.
The demonstrations are the biggest
challenge yet to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, who has imposed curfews in
Baghdad and other cities to try to stop the protests gathering steam.
In his first public address since
the protests began, the embattled premier made a televised speech early Friday
as heavy gunfire rang out across Baghdad.
He said the turmoil could lead to
“the destruction of the state, the entire state”, but refrained from directly
responding to the protesters’ demands.
Instead, he defended his
government’s record over its first year in office and pledged a monthly stipend
for families in need, while asking for time to implement a reform agenda
promised last year.
Other leaders have been more
supportive of the protesters, with President Barham Saleh urging the security
forces to respect their right to peacefully demonstrate.
