INTERNATIONAL

Hundreds of protesters stormed in to Iraq parliament

(UTV | IRAQ) – Supporters of powerful Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr on Wednesday stormed parliament after penetrating the capital’s high-security government Green Zone, protesting against a rival bloc’s nomination for prime minister.

The protests are the latest challenge for oil-rich Iraq, which remains mired in a political and a socioeconomic crisis despite elevated global oil prices.

Protesters “stormed the parliament” after initially being stopped by police firing a barrage of tear gas, a security source told, on the condition of anonymity.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi called on the protesters to “immediately withdraw” from the heavily fortified Green Zone, which is home to both government buildings and diplomatic missions.

He warned in a statement that security forces would see to “the protection of state institutions and foreign missions, and prevent any harm to security and order”.

Related posts

Biden announces closure of US airspace to Russian aircraft during State of the Union

R Rishma

Elon Musk space rocket on collision course with the Moon

R Rishma

Iran’s Rouhani asks Europe for guarantees on banking channels and oil sales

utvnewsenglish