Iraq protesters defy Baghdad curfew as violence rocks Shiite holy city

Issued on: 29/10/2019 – 10:38Modified: 29/10/2019 – 10:40

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.

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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 hoRead More – Source