73 Died in Riot, Iraqi Government Revokes Curfews

Baghdad, MINA – The Iraqi government lifted a curfew in Baghdad on Saturday, September 5 but the access to the main square remains blocked because of fears of continuing protests that have claimed dozens of lives.

The death toll of mass protests in Baghdad and cities in southern Iraq rose to 73 as riots entered its fifth day, the parliamentary human rights commission said.

More than 3,000 people have also been injured since protests against chronic unemployment, poor public services, and widespread corruption, erupted in the capital on Tuesday.

The commission added that as many as 540 demonstrators had been arrested and nearly 200 remained detained, Nahar Net reported.

Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi ordered the curfew in the capital to be lifted from 5 a.m., even though the internet blackout remained in force. (T/Sj/P2)

Mi’raj News Agency (MINA)