LOC23:58
20:58 GMT
BAGHDAD, Feb 25 (KUNA) -- Protests in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities left
16 people dead and injured 124 others while Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki
promised Friday to investigate the events and honor demands of protesters.
Once protests end, Al-Maliki thanked protesters who made their demands
peacefully and thwarted attempts by terrorists to undermine their march.
"I will personally follow the implementation of all matters under my
responsibility as Prime Minister and follow ministers and local governments to
compel them to implement the promises made before the citizens," he said.
He said the security forces have succeeded in preserving security and order
during the protests.
Protesters were demanding better services, social justice, providing jobs
for the qualified people, fighting administrative and financial corruption,
and more freedoms.
There have been, however, some clashes between riot police and protesters.
Many protesters in the Liberation Square panicked and some fainted after
helicopters flew at low over their heads.
Eyewitnesses said angry protesters clashed with riot police after the
latters prevented them from crossing Al-Jumhoriya Bridge causing injuries to
seven protesters.
Security forces arrested Iraqi journalists.
Iraqi security forces imposed a curfew in southern city of Basra, a move
that triggered the city's governor Shaltagh Abboud's resignation.
There have been arson attacks in Kirkuk, northern Iraq. (end)
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KUNA 252358 Feb 11NNNN