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Iraqi President Condemns Attacks on Protesters

VOA News

   Iraqi President Barham Salih has condemned attacks on anti-government
   protesters and media after a week of demonstrations and related clashes
   left more than 100 people dead and 6,000 wounded.

   He called those committing the violence criminals and enemies, and used
   a televised address Monday to call for a halt to the escalation.

   Salih said Iraq had experienced enough destruction, bloodshed, wars and
   terrorism.

   The military admitted earlier Monday to using "excessive force" in
   confronting protesters in the Sadr City neighborhood of Baghdad.

   The government took the step of removing security forces from the area
   and handing over patrols to police. Officials also pledged to hold
   accountable any member of the security forces who "acted wrongly."

   The protests in Baghdad and in several southern Iraqi cities have grown
   from initial demands for jobs and improved city services, such as water
   and power, to calls now to end corruption in the oil-rich country of
   nearly 40 million people.

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