Iraqi Security Forces Crack Down On Protesters

NPR: Iraqi Security Forces Storm Tahrir Square, Clash With Protesters

Iraqi security forces launched a major crackdown on anti-government protesters Saturday from Baghdad to cities across the south after an influential Shiite cleric instrumental in the demonstrations withdrew his support.

In Baghdad, security forces stormed bridges, streets near Tahrir Square and a highway interchange that had been taken over by protesters, firing live bullets and tear gas and setting fire to tents where protesters have been living and where medics have treated the wounded. At least one protester was killed and dozens wounded, according to security and medical officials.

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More News On the Unrest In Iraq

Iraqi security forces raid Baghdad protest site -- BBC
Three Iraq protesters killed in clashes as security forces clear streets -- AFP
Iraqi security forces raid protest camps after Sadr supporters withdraw -- Reuters
Iraqi police kill demonstrators in crackdown on protest camps -- DW
Iraqi security forces fire tear gas, live bullets amid protests -- UPI
Tensions high in Baghdad as police fire tear gas, live bullets -- Al Jazeera

Anti-Government Protests Are Predicted Throughout Iraq Tomorrow

Karbala earlier tonight. Protests come under fire. Tomorrow 1/10 there will be protests across the country | pic.twitter.com/lMTHVTHpxO

— Mike (@Doranimated) January 10, 2020

WNU Editor: There are suppose to be widespread demonstrations and protests throughout Iraq tomorrow. We shall see. But tonight's demonstrations are an ominous sign on what is probably going to happen tomorrow.

Iraqi Activist: US Embassy Attackers Are the ‘Same People’ Who Have Been Killing Anti-Government Demonstrators For The Past Few Months

US Marines fired tear gas at the Iran-backed militia and their supporters early on Wednesday as the siege outside the US embassy in Baghdad continued for a second day. Iraqi flags were seen being flown, as well as the yellow of Kataeb Hezbollah

Sputnik: US Embassy Attackers Are ‘Same People’ Killing Peaceful Iraqi Protesters - Activist

While Washington leaders have attempted to draw parallels between the Iraqi protesters demonstrating peacefully for months and the violent group who attacked the US Embassy in Baghdad Tuesday, the truth is that nonviolent protesters have also been victims of these violent groups, an Iraqi-American activist told Sputnik.

Several hundred protesters stormed the International Zone (IZ) in central Baghdad on Tuesday, laying siege to the US Embassy there and prompting police to fire tear gas into the crowd.

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WNU Editor: An eye-opening report on what is the Iraqi sentiment towards these embassy "protesters". And what is even more surprising about this report is that it is from Russian media, not from a Western news source.

Iraq's Parliament Approves Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi's Resignation

Al Jazeera: Uncertainty remains as Iraq parliament accepts PM's resignation

Parliament approves resignation of Abdul Mahdi's government after two months of protests that left more than 400 dead.

Baghdad, Iraq - Iraqi legislators approved Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's resignation on Sunday during a parliament session held in the capital Baghdad amid weeks of deadly anti-government protests.

An embattled Abdul Mahdi had announced on Friday that he would quit, after 50 demonstrators were killed the previous day by security forces in Baghdad and Iraq's mainly Shia southern cities of Nasiriya and Najaf.

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Update: Will this lead to the breakup of Iraq? .... Iraq risks breakup as tribes take on Iran’s militias in ‘blood feud’ (The Guardian).

More News On Iraq's Parliament Approving Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi's Resignation

Parliament approves Iraqi prime minister's resignation -- Reuters
Iraq parliament approves PM Abdul Mahdi's resignation as thousands mourn fallen protesters -- France 24
Iraq unrest: Parliament approves PM Abdul Mahdi's resignation -- BBC
As Iraq uprising intensifies, parliament accepts Abdul Mahdi's resignation -- The National
Iraqi Parliament Accepts PM Adel Abdul-Mahdi Resignation, But Protesters Demand More -- NPR
With prime minister out, Iraq in constitutional ‘black hole’ -- AP
As Baghdad celebrates 'dual victory', protesters vow to overthrow entire political elite -- Middle East Eye
Adel Abdul Mahdi's short tenure as Iraq's prime minister -- Al Jazeera
Adel Abdul Mahdi, an Iraqi prime minister 'doomed to fail' -- Al Jazeera
The challenges Iraq faces after prime minister’s resignation -- Abbas Kadhim, Atlantic Council

Iraqi Prime Minister To Resign After Two Months Of Deadly Anti-Government Protests

DW: Iraq prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi says he will resign

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Friday he would submit his resignation to parliament just hours after the country's top Shiite cleric put pressure on the government.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said Friday he would submit his resignation to parliament as the government faces nearly two months of deadly protests against the political elite.

The announcement broadcast on state television came as Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, said in his Friday sermon that parliament, which put Abdul Mahdi in power, should "reconsider its options.''

"In response to this call, and in order to facilitate it as quickly as possible, I will present to parliament a demand (to accept) my resignation from the leadership of the current government," said the statement, signed by Abdul Mahdi.

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More News On The Unrest In Iraq

Iraq’s PM announces he’ll resign amid worsening crisis -- AP
Iraq PM says he will quit after cleric's call but violence rages on -- Reuters
Iraq unrest: PM Abdul Mahdi to resign after bloodiest day in protests -- BBC
Iraqi PM to resign after deadly anti-government protests -- Al Jazeera
Iraq's prime minister to step down amid protests -- The Hill
Iraqi protesters celebrate as Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi announces his resignation after hundreds are killed following weeks of bloody demonstrations -- Daily Mail
Celebration as Iraqi PM announces resignation after weeks of deadly protests -- ABC News Online
PM resignation is 'only first step', say Iraqi protesters -- Al Jazeera

Iraqi Forces Kill Multiple Protesters After Iranian Consulate Destroyed

ABC News Online: Iraqi forces kill multiple rioters leaving more than 180 injured as new wave of protests erupts

Security forces have killed at least 22 protesters in Iraq as a new escalation of anti-government protests erupted in the southern city of Nasiriyah, hours after the torching of an Iranian consulate in the holy city of Najaf.

Authorities opened fire and used tear gas cannisters to disperse protesters who gathered on two bridges in Nasiriyah on Thursday (local time), shooting dead at least 22 protesters and leaving more than 180 wounded, medics and security sources said.

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More News On The Unrest In Iraq

Iraqi forces kill 35 protesters after Iranian consulate torched -- Reuters
27 Iraqi protesters shot dead in 24 hours, violence spirals -- AP
Iraq unrest: 27 killed in fresh wave of protests -- BBC
Dozens of Iraqi protesters killed in crackdown after Iranian consulate torched -- France 24
Iraqi forces kill 17 protesters, deploy military to stem unrest -- DW
Violence Rises in Iraq’s South Amid Crackdowns on Protests and the Press -- The New York Times
Iraqi army ordered to clear streets after Iran embassy is set ablaze -- The National

Iraq Protests Intensify In Baghdad. Six Killed In Three Separate Baghdad Explosions

The National: Bombs kill five in southern Baghdad as nationwide protests continue

* Explosions didn’t appear to be related to demontrations

Five people were killed and more than a dozen wounded in three simultaneous explosions that rocked Baghdad late on Tuesday, Iraqi officials said.

It was the first apparently co-ordinated attack since anti-government protests erupted nearly two months ago, but it did not appear to be related to demonstrations.

It was not immediately clear who was behind the bombings, but they bore the hallmarks of an ISIS attack. The terrorist group has a history of similar attacks in the capital and other provinces.

Iraq declared victory over the extremists nearly two years ago but they are still in parts of the country and carry out sporadic attacks.

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WNU Editor: At least 330 people have been killed since the start of mass unrest in Baghdad and southern Iraq in early October.

More News On The Unrest In Iraq

Simultaneous Explosions in Iraq Leave 5 Dead Amid Anti-Government Protests -- Time/AP
Six killed in three separate Baghdad explosions -sources -- Reuters
Iraq blasts: Six killed in three separate Baghdad explosions -- Al Jazeera
Death toll rises as anti-government protests grip Iraq -- Al JAzeera
‘Bloodbath’: Iraq Is Cracking Down on Protesters With Live Ammunition and Military-Grade Tear Gas Grenades -- VICE

Iraq Shaken By One Of Its 'Worst' Days Of Protests

DW: Iraq protests: More deaths as unrest intensifies

Security forces have allegedly fired on protesters in southern Iraq, killing at least five people and wounding dozens more. Iraqis have been protesting for weeks against corruption, misgovernance and a lack of jobs.

A protester is seen near a burning tire during ongoing anti-government protests in Basra

Security forces opened fire on protesters in southern Iraq on Sunday, killing at least five people and wounding dozens more, police and medical sources said, as weeks of unrest in Iraq continue.

Troops used live bullets to disperse protesters who were trying to block roads leading to the port city of Umm Qasr in the oil-rich southern province of Basra, the sources said.

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WNU Editor: There are no signs that this unrest is going to taper off.

More News On This Weekends Violent Protests In Iraq

13 dead in 1 of the ‘worst’ days of protest in southern Iraq -- AP
Iraq protests: Security forces open fire on protesters -- BBC
Iraqi security forces fire rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters in third day of fierce clashes in Baghdad with 16 now dead and 100 injured -- Daily Mail
Deadly clashes in Iraq as protests flare once again -- France 24
Iraq shaken by one of its 'worst' days of protests; at least 13 killed -- FOX News
Death toll rises as anti-government protests grip Iraq -- Al Jazeera

Iraq Protests -- News Updates November 10, 2019

Al Jazeera: Iraq gov't urged to rein in security forces to end 'bloodbath'

As protesters' death toll jumps, Amnesty calls for urgent end to 'relentless and unlawful use of lethal force'.

The death toll during demonstrations in Iraq surged to more than 300 as security forces were accused of "relentlessly" targeting protesters.

Six more people were killed in the capital Baghdad on Sunday and dozens of others hurt in clashes.

The head of the Iraqi parliament's human rights commission told Al Jazeera that 319 people have died since October 1 with more than 15,000 wounded. Most of the casualties were anti-government protesters, but security officers also died in the violence.

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WNU Editor: The death toll continues to climb .... Iraq protests death toll rises to 319 with nearly 15,000 injured (CNN).

More News On The Unrest In Iraq

6 Killed And 100 Injured In Latest Security Forces Crackdown In Baghdad Protests -- NPR
Iraqi forces shoot three dead in southern city as protests flare: police, medics -- Reuters
Iraqi security forces clash with anti-government protesters in Baghdad -- Euronews
Iraq protests: Medics say they are being targeted -- Al Jazeera
Iraqi officials ban the use of live ammunition against protesters as death toll reaches 300 -- Euronews
Iraq gov't urged to rein in security forces to end 'bloodbath' -- Al Jazeera
Amnesty International labels Iraq protests a ‘bloodbath’, calls on government to end lethal use of force -- RUDAW
UN mission in Iraq proposes roadmap for ending upheaval -- AP

The Unrest In Iraq Has Claimed 300 Lives So far

CNN: Iraq protests death toll rises to 300 with nearly 15,000 injured

Baghdad (CNN)At least 301 people have been killed and nearly 15,000 have been injured in Iraq since the start of anti-government protests in October, the Independent High Commission for Human Rights of Iraq (IHCHR) said in a statement Saturday.

The higher death toll includes two people who were killed Friday in the southern city of Basra during violent protests, the IHCR said. Basra is an oil-rich city located some 450 kilometers (280 miles) south of Iraq's capital Baghdad.

Another 100 people were wounded in Basra as Iraqi security forces used teargas and live bullets

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More News On the Unrest In Iraq

Five people are killed as Iraqi security forces open fire on demonstrators with live ammunition amid month-long protest calling for overhaul of the political system -- Daily Mail
Deadly violence grips Iraq as security forces clear protest sites -- Al Jazeera
Iraqi forces kill 6 anti-government protesters, wound 100 others -- CBC/AP
Multiple anti-government protesters killed in Iraq -- The Hill
'We fight for our rights': Meet Iraq's defiant protesters -- Al Jazeera

Unrest In Iraq -- News Updates November 6, 2019

The National: Iraq will use 'new level of force to destroy' anti-government protests

Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi will 'give free rein' to security forces, officials say

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi has taken the decision to use a new level of force against mass rallies opposing his rule and “completely destroy the protesters,” according to an Iraqi intelligence official.

The country has been gripped by protests since the beginning of October that called for the removal of a political class seen as corrupt and beholden to foreign interests, above all Iran.

“Baghdad are really going to crack down on the protesters, they have made a decision,” the official said. “It looks like the prime minister has made a decision that he’s going to use force. He’s going to completely destroy the protesters.”

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Unrest In Iraq -- News Updates November 6, 2019

Iraq protesters storm Baghdad bridge, medic killed -- AP
Iraqi security forces break up protests in Battle of the Bridges -- Reuters
Renewed live fire in Iraq capital as blackout, sit-ins persist -- AFP
Three killed in Baghdad protests as military bans live ammunition -- Al Jazeera
Iraqi government must 'engage seriously' with protesters, says U.S. embassy -- NBC
Iraqi uprising explodes sectarian narrative of the ruling class -- The National
Protests in Iraq reveal a long-simmering anger at Iran -- AP
In Pictures: Violent protests continue in Iraq -- Al Jazeera

Picture Of The Day

Iraqi demonstrators block Al-Sanak Bridge during the ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad, November 4. REUTERS/Thaier Al-Sudani

WNU Editor: The above picture came from this photo-gallery .... Defying PM, thousands of Iraqis continue to flood Baghdad square (Reuters).

Widespread Protests Continue In Iraq -- News Roundup November 4, 2019

DW: Iraq security kill Baghdad protesters with live rounds

Security forces in Bagdad opened fire on protesters who crossed a bridge over the Tigris river into a high security area. The protests show no sign of stopping.

Security forces in Iraq used live rounds, tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters in Baghdad on Monday, killing at least five people.

The deaths happened as thousands took part in anti-government protests across the capital city.

A member of the security forces was also among those killed and least 34 people were wounded in the violence on Monday, according to government and medical spokespeople.

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More News On the Growing Unrest In Iraq

The Latest: Clashes in Baghdad protests kill 5, wound 60 -- AP
Iraq's roads, offices and schools shut down amid escalating anti-government protests -- France 24
At least 5 protesters killed in new round of clashes in Iraq -- AP
At least five dead as Iraqi security forces open fire on Baghdad protesters -- Reuters
3 killed in political protest at Iranian consulate in Iraq -- UPI
Iraq forces fire live rounds at protesters in Baghdad -- Al Jazeera
Iraq unrest: Protesters attack Iranian consulate in Karbala -- BBC

Iraqi Protesters Attack Iran's Consulate In Karbala

DEVELOPING: Iranian embassy in Iraq set ablaze, reports of protesters being fired upon

pic.twitter.com/FyPbquRJUN

— Breaking911 (@Breaking911) November 3, 2019

Al Jazeera: Iraqi protesters attack Iran consulate in Karbala

Protesters scale barriers ringing the consulate, bringing down an Iranian flag and replacing it with Iraqi flag.

Dozens of protesters in Iraq attacked the Iranian consulate in the Shia holy city of Karbala on Sunday night, scaling the concrete barriers ringing the building, bringing down an Iranian flag and replacing it with the Iraqi flag, eyewitnesses said.

Security forces fired in the air to disperse the protesters who threw stones and burned tires around the building on a street corner in Karbala south of Baghdad.

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More News On The Unrest In Iraq

Iraq protests: Baghdad roads blocked by thousands of activists as pressure grows on government -- The Independent
Iraqi security forces kill one anti-government protester, wound at least 200 more -- FOX News
Iraqi PM calls on protesters to reopen roads after civil unrest -- The Guardian/AP
Iraq’s PM urges protesters to stop, says unrest is hurting the economy -- Reuters
Demonstrations Are Gaining Momentum in Iraq, Offices and Roads Blocked -- Sputnik

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's Allies Move To Oust Him As Protests Continue

The National: Iraqi Prime Minister's main backers move to remove him amid protests

At least 250 people have been killed since the unrest began on October 1

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's two main backers have agreed to work to remove him from office as protests against his government gained momentum in Baghdad and much of the Shiite south only to be met with violence.

Populist Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr, who leads parliament's largest bloc, had asked Mr Abdul Mahdi to call an early election. When the premier refused, he called on his main political rival Hadi Al Amiri to help oust him.

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WNU Editor: The Iraqi Shiite establishment need a sacrificial lamb to calm the mass protests that are now occurring throughout the country. It looks like the Iraqi Prime Minister got the short end of the stick.

More News On the Unrest In Iraq

Iraqi prime minister's main backers agree to oust him -- Reuters
Iraqi Prime Minister's main backers agree to oust him amid violent protests -- ABC News Online
Iraqi PM Abdul Mahdi's main backers agree to remove him -- Al Jazeera
Iraq on edge after al-Sadr calls for removal of prime minister -- CNN
Iraq’s Sadr calls on rival to join him in ousting PM -- Middle East Monitor
Sadr issues dire warning of internal conflict if Abdul-Mahdi not ousted -- RUDAW

Violent Protests Continue In Iraq -- News Roundup October 29, 2019

ABC News Online: Iraqi security forces shoot demonstrators protesting against corruption and poor services

Iraqi security forces wearing masks and black plainclothes have opened fire on protesters in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, killing 18 people and injuring hundreds, officials say.

The attack, which happened overnight (local time), came as Iraqis took to the streets for a fifth consecutive day, protesting against their Government's corruption, a lack of services and other grievances.

The protests, leaderless and largely spontaneous, have been met with bullets and tear gas from the first day.

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More News On The Unrest In Iraq

Iraq protesters defy Baghdad curfew as violence rocks Shiite holy city -- France 24
Iraq protests: Upsurge in violence despite Baghdad curfew -- BBC
18 people are shot dead and hundreds are wounded in one of the deadliest attacks on Iraqi anti-government protesters since demonstrations began this month -- Daily Mail
Masked gunmen attack protesters in Iraq holy city; 18 killed -- AP
Iraq protests: Deadly clashes in Karbala -- DW
Iraqi protesters pack Baghdad square as anti-government movement gathers momentum -- Reuters
Iraqi protesters pack Baghdad's Tahrir square -- Al Jazeera
Karbala officials deny reports of deaths at anti-gov't protest -- Al Jazeera
Iraq's Sadr calls on rival to join him in ousting PM -- Reuters

Baghdad's Death Toll Tops 60 After Two Days Of Protests

Al Jazeera: Hundreds continue protests in Baghdad as death toll tops 60

PM Abdul Mahdi orders special unit's deployment amid rising death toll in latest protests that started on Friday.

Hundreds of Iraqi protesters have remained in Baghdad's central Tahrir Square on Sunday, defying a bloody crackdown that killed at least 60 people over the weekend and an overnight raid by security forces seeking to disperse them.

Demonstrators continued to gather in the capital despite a rapidly rising death toll, with 63 killed according to a tally by the semi-official Iraq High Commission for Human Rights.

"We're here to bring down the whole government, to weed them all out!" one protester, with the Iraqi tricolour wrapped around his head, was quoted as saying by AFP news agency.

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More News On The Unrest In Iraq

‘They are worse than Saddam’: Iraqis take to streets to topple regime -- The Guardian
Iraq protest death toll reaches 67 over weekend as government sends in elite forces -- Euronews/Reuters
Thousands of Iraqis defy government crackdown in Baghdad's Tahrir Square -- National Interest
Iraqi PM Sends Counter-Terror Force To Put Down Street Protests -- RFE
Iraq deploys counter-terrorism forces to protect Baghdad buildings -- Euronews/Reuters

Iraq Rocked By Protests Again. Scores Killed And Wounded

The Guardian: At least 40 killed and dozens injured in Baghdad amid protests sweeping Iraq

Demonstration against corruption and economic hardship was met with rubber bullets and teargas by police

At least 40 people were killed and dozens injured in Baghdad as police fired rubber bullets and teargas canisters in an attempt to disperse a protest on the streets of the Iraqi capital amid unrest sweeping the country.

Tens of thousands gathered in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad on Friday morning to begin the march to the city’s fortified Green Zone, where government buildings and foreign embassies are located, but were blocked by police on the al-Jumhuriya bridge.

The demonstrators, protesting against corruption and economic hardship, pushed back but were met with volleys of teargas, some canisters exploding in the air and others whooshing to a white arch in the middle of the crowd.

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More News On Today's Violent And Deadly Protests In Iraq

At least 40 killed as fresh protests engulf Iraq -- Reuters
Iraq protests: 40 dead as mass unrest descends into violence -- BBC
Iraq protests turn deadly as anti-government demonstrators clash with police -- FOX News/AP
Dozens killed as fierce anti-government protests sweep Iraq -- Al Jazeera
Chaos in Baghdad as protesters try to storm Green Zone -- CNN
More deaths in Baghdad as anti-government protests continue -- Arab News

Iraq Protests: 100 Killed, 4,000 Wounded As Anti-Government Protests Reach Fifth Day

FOX News: Nearly 100 killed, 4,000 wounded in Iraq as anti-government protests reach fifth day

At least 94 people have been killed and nearly 4,000 wounded as tens of thousands of protesters have taken to the streets in Baghdad and southern Iraq over the past five days, according to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights.

Security forces fired live ammunition and tear gas at demonstrators in Baghdad on Saturday, killing at least eight people and wounding 17, health and security officials said.

The protesters are taking a stand against a lack of jobs, corruption and poor public services. Living conditions were impacted by the war against the Islamic State, which took control of large parts of the country in 2014.

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WNU editor: The central government is losing control.

More News On The Unrest In Iraq

The Latest: Gunmen attack TV offices in Baghdad amid unrest -- AP
Iraq protests: All the latest updates -- Al Jazeera
Deadly clashes break out again in Iraq, 11 killed in capital -- Reuters
Iraq protests: Death toll nears 100 as unrest enters fifth day -- BBC
Security forces kill more than 80 in 5 days of Iraq protests -- AP
Several killed amid fresh protests in Iraq -- France 24
'Widespread sniper fire' as death toll soars in Iraq protests -- France 24
Iraq: Many killed in renewed anti-government protests -- DW
Iraq death toll soars to over 70 as anti-government protests sweep through Baghdad and outside capital --ABC News Online
Saudi, Kurdish TV channels stormed by GUNMEN in Iraq’s Baghdad amid mass unrest -- RT
'We have nothing to lose': Iraqis vow to keep up protests -- Al Jazeera
Iraq protests: UN calls for end to 'senseless loss of life' -- BBC

65 Killed So Far In Protests Against Iraqi Government Corruption

Daily Mail: Iraq's Prime Minister acknowledges corruption problems and says protesters' concerns are 'righteous' as the death toll rises to 44 following three days of violent demonstrations

* Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said security measures are a 'bitter medicine'
* Since Tuesday, security forces have fired live rounds and tear gas at protesters
* The rallies were sparked by unemployment, corruption and public services
* The UN has called on Iraq to investigate the force used by the anti-riot police

Iraq's Prime Minister says the country needs to do more to tackle corruption as the death toll rises to 44 after three days of anti-government protests.

In a televised address, Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi said security measures imposed in the wake of this week's violence, including a curfew, was like a 'bitter medicine' that needs to be swallowed.

Mr Abdul-Mahdi spoke after three days of demonstrations that have spread across many provinces in the country.

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More News On The Unrest In Iraq

Iraq protests: All the latest updates -- Al Jazeera
Uprising grips Iraq, 65 killed in protests against government corruption -- Reuters
Iraq forces fire on dozens of protesters in Baghdad: AFP -- AFP
At Least 42 Dead After Days Of Violent Protests In Iraq -- NPR
Iraqi PM urges protesters to go home as death toll passes 40 -- NBC
Iraq protests: 'No magic solution' to problems, PM says -- BBC
Iraq's PM calls for talks as thousands of protesters defy curfew -- Al Jazeera
Powerful cleric urges Iraq government to quit as protests rage -- Reuters