Move FM Global News

BAGHDAD, Iraq – Sixteen years after the disastrous U.S.-led invasion of Iraq the country is out of control with citizens up in arms over the lack of reforms, gross unemployment and rampant corruption.

Iraqi security forces on Friday exacerbated the situation when they opened fire on protesters who gathered after weekly prayers.

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

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi has taken to the media to call on protesters to return home, saying their protests were not needed as the government was now aware of their concerns,

Abdul-Mahdi defended the crackdown by security forces describing it as a “difficult choice”, but necessary, comparing it to “bitter medicine” having to be swallowed.

At least 42 civilians alone have died in the past four days of protests which have centered around Baghdad, with another 2,500 injured according to the Anadolu Agency.

Six people were killed on Thursday.

Police and medical officials were quoted by Voa News as saying the protesters were shot to death in Nasiriyah, a city south of the capital.

Iraqi security forces used tear gas and fired live bullets Thursday to disperse protesters in Baghdad, the report said.

Authorities have also deployed water cannons and rubber bullets in their efforts to disperse the crowds.

Prominent Shia cleric Ali al-Sistani issued a statement on Friday calling for a stop to the violence against demonstrators.

“There have been unacceptable and condemned attacks on demonstrators, policemen and properties in Baghdad along with a number of provinces,” he said.

“In different areas, the demonstrations have led to riots and bloody clashes that left dozens of victims dead.”

Iraq has been plagued with years of sectarian violence, unemployment among youth of more than 25%, unstable government, and widespread corruption.

The government earlier this week promised jobs for graduates. Oil companies have also been mandated to lift employment of locals to 50%.