Iraq protests: Death toll climbs to 60
Published : 05 Oct 2019, 10:29
The death toll in anti-government protests that have swept Iraq the past four days has soared to at least 60, security and medical sources say.
The figure has more than doubled in the past 24 hours, as clashes between protesters and police intensified.
The military said "unidentified snipers" had killed four people in Baghdad, including two police officers, reports BBC.
Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi earlier said protesters' "legitimate demands" had been heard, but appealed for calm.
Spontaneous protests erupted on Tuesday amid frustration over Iraq's high youth unemployment rate, its dire public services and chronic corruption.
It is seen as the first major challenge to Mr Mahdi's fragile government, nearly a year since he came to power.
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Despite the prime minister's plea for patience, Iraqis continued to throng the streets in their hundreds on Friday. An indefinite curfew imposed by authorities in the capital, as well as an internet blackout, also failed to prevent protesters from gathering.
source:daily-sun