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Iraqi Protesters Pack Baghdad Square, Anti-government Movement Gains Momentum

Reuters

   BAGHDAD - Tens of thousands of Iraqis protested in Baghdad's central
   Tahrir Square on Tuesday for a fifth day, angered by reports of
   security forces killing demonstrators in the city of Kerbala and the
   prime minister's refusal to call early elections.

   It was the largest gathering in the capital since a second wave of
   demonstrations against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government and
   the ruling elite resumed on Friday. A populist cleric who helped
   install the premier called for his removal.

   Security forces stationed on the nearby Jumhuriya bridge, lobbed tear
   gas at protesters in Tahrir Square who tried to break through to the
   heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and
   foreign missions.

   "With life and blood we defend you Iraq," they chanted.

   The crowd consisted mostly of young men, many draped in Iraqi flags.
   Surrounding streets brimmed with cars, taxis, motorcycles and tuk-tuks
   as more people made their way in.

   Earlier, trade unions announced that they would call strikes, following
   the lead of lawyers and teachers.

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