LOC13:51
10:51 GMT
BAGHDAD, Nov 18 (KUNA) -- Public protests and strikes in Baghdad and other Iraqi governorates continued for the 25 day amid almost complete paralysis in government institutions.
In a statement to KUNA, eyewitnesses said that Al-Tahreer Square in central Baghdad crowded with thousands of protesters including large numbers of school and university students, and clashes with security forces eased, as there were no casualties recorded in days.
The capital Baghdad have been paralyzed almost completely for the second day in a row as many government institutions, schools and universities have been disrupted due to blocking roads and bridges.
In Dhi Qar Governorate, southern Iraq, five people were injured in a clash between security forces and protesters in Rifai district, north of the province, due to an attempt of some protesters to cut off the main road leading to the city, a medical sources told KUNA.
In Nasiriya, the largest city in Dhi Qar, activists said protestors Protesters flocked to al-Haboubi Square, while colleges, schools, and government departments closed for the second week in a row.
In the Diwaniya governorate, The Center for Supporting Freedom of expression announced in a statement the disappearance of the journalist Mohammed al-Shammari, supporter of the protests in the province since last night.
The Center condemned the enforced disappearance of Al-Shammari, practiced by unknown parties against journalists, activists and public opinion leaders, calling on the concerned authorities to disclose his fate immediately.
Photos and videos circulated on local media and social networking of protests in the provinces of Karbala, Najaf, Wasit, Babil and Missan in the center and south part of the country.
The protests rose in Iraq in two times, the first on October 1, while the second started on October the 25th, and is still so far in which hundreds have been killed and thousands injured due to violence that accompanied it. (end)
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