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Protesters defy Baghdad curfew as violence rocks Shiite holy city
BAGHDAD, Oct 29, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Protesters remained camped out in the
Iraqi capital Baghdad on Tuesday after authorities failed to enforce an
overnight curfew, as deadly violence erupted further south, AFP
correspondents reported.
At least one person was killed in the Shiite Muslim holy city of Karbala
late on Monday, the Iraqi Human Rights Commission said. An AFP correspondent
reported live rounds were fired near the provincial council headquarters.
The death brought to 240 the overall toll since anti-government rallies
erupted in Baghdad and southern cities on October 1. More than 8,000 people
have been wounded.
In the capital’s iconic Tahrir (Liberation) Square, hundreds of young
protesters woke up after a fifth night in tents, abandoned buildings or
camped out on the pavement.
They had defied an order by the military to clear the streets between
midnight and 6:00 am (0300 GMT), heading defiantly to the square by car or on
foot.
“Their curfew changed nothing,” said 30-year-old protester Duaa, adding
that she had driven around Baghdad for several hours before returning to
Tahrir during the night.
“Did the government think we would stay at home? No way,” she told AFP.
Protesters have been demanding an overhaul of the political system which
they say has failed to take action against chronic unemployment or widespread
corruption.
They have been joined by thousands of students and schoolchildren in recent
days.
Trade unions representing teachers, lawyers and dentists have all declared
strikes lasting several days.
BSS/AFP/ARS/1514 hrs