Baghdad under security clampdown after violent protests

[Anthea]

Baghdad under security clampdown a day after violent protests

Baghdad was under heavy security on Saturday, with soldiers deployed around key centers, a day after angry protests left hundreds injured by live fire and tear gas.

All roads to the heavily fortified Green Zone were closed, including routes to the Komari Bridge and Sanak that connect parts of the capital to one another.

On Friday, at least 570 people were treated at Baghdad hospitals, as protesters once again stormed the Green Zone on Friday, slamming security forces for using force that killed three protesters, hospital sources said.

Abdulghani Sadoun, head of a hospital in Baghdad’s Rasafa neighborhood, said about 500 people were treated there for exposure to tear gas or for broken bones and other injuries. At least 70 others were treated at the Karkh hospital for breathing problems, said hospital chief Jasib Oujami. He said some victims had marks of beatings on their bodies.

Security forces opened fire with live rounds and tear gas on Friday against thousands of supporters of powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr. They gathered in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square before heading to the fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies and missions.

Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi condemned the protest.

“I call for a mutual effort by civilians and security forces to prevent the plans of the Baathists,” said Abadi, suggesting the protesters were supporters of ousted Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein’s defunct Baath party.

Meanwhile Sadr, who supported the protesters, warned Iraqi authorities that “their fate will not be any better than that of Libya’s Qaddafi.”

Later Friday evening, protesters left the Green Zone and security forces resumed control of government offices. The city was under curfew.

This is the second time in less than a month that Sadr supporters breached the Green Zone’s defences and stormed government buildings.

On April 30, hundreds of protesters took over the parliament, demanding reform and an end to corruption.

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