Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


3 Protesters Killed, Raising Death Toll in Baghdad Clashes

Associated Press

   BAGHDAD - Iraqi security forces clashed with protesters on a historic
   Baghdad street near a key bridge for the second day on Friday, killing
   three and bringing the death toll from the fierce outburst of fighting
   to 13, security and medical officials said.

   Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, the highest Shi'ite religious authority
   in Iraq, reemphasized calls to political parties to pass electoral
   reform laws and respond to the protesters' demands. His comments were
   carried in his weekly sermon.

   The clashes centered on Baghdad's Rasheed Street -- a century-old
   avenue that was once the heart of Baghdad's cultural scene and is now
   known for its crumbling old buildings -- are the most intense
   altercations in recent days amid Iraq's massive weeks-long
   anti-government protests.

   The fighting appeared to have begun when protesters tried Thursday to
   dismantle a security forces barricade on the street, which leads to
   Ahrar Bridge, a span over the Tigris River that has been a repeated
   flashpoint. Security forces responded with barrages of tear gas and
   live ammunition that killed 10 protesters and injured more than 100 by
   Thursday evening.

.