Violence erupts during anti-government protests in southern Iraq city

[Joanne98]

Source: WP

BAGHDAD - The governor of a remote southern Iraqi province was forced to flee Wednesday when protesters stormed his headquarters during violent demonstrations that illustrated the potential for upheaval in Iraq's new, and still shaky, democracy.

The violence erupted after local police opened fire on demonstrators protesting poor services and corruption outside the governorate of Wasit province in the city of Kut, killing three and wounding more than 50, said Capt. Mahdi Abbas of the province's emergency police force.

The angry crowd then attacked the building as the governor escaped through a back door with his bodyguards, Abbas said.

Other members of the provincial council also reportedly escaped, and the Iraqi army was called in to quell the turmoil.


Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/02/16/AR2011021606942.html

[sabra]

1. k & r

:kick:

[Uncle Joe]

2. Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, Joanne.