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.


Iraq Forces Fire on Anti-Government Protesters in Bagdad

VOA News

   Iraqi security forces opened fired on anti-government protesters
   gathering in Baghdad Friday for a fourth day of demonstrations against
   unemployment, poor public services and corruption.

   The security forces fired directly at the protesters, not in the air,
   an AFP correspondent said.

   No casualties have been reported.

   The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) issues a statement
   Friday saying "the deaths of civilians and the growing number of
   wounded at the ongoing protests across the country is particularly
   worrying, as is the use of firearms for restoring public order."

   The ICRC has called on both sides to show restraint as it monitors
   developments on the ground.

   Earlier, Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, during a televised
   address to the nation, called on protesters to go home, saying their
   "legitimate demands" had been heard.

   Abdul-Mahdi sad that the security measures, including the temporary
   curfew imposed were "difficult choices" but they were needed like
   "bitter medicine" that had to be swallowed.

.