Iraqis mark 3rd anniversary of mass protests against corruption

BAGHDAD

Hundreds of Iraqis gathered in the capital Baghdad on Saturday to mark three years since the eruption of nationwide demonstrations against corruption.

Demonstrators attempted to break into Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone, prompting security forces to fire tear gas canisters to disperse them, according to an Anadolu Agency reporter at the scene.

Protesters waved Iraqi flags and banners condemning economic corruption, the reporter said.

Saturday’s protests were staged under tight security conditions amid reports of internet service cuts in the area.

The mass protests first erupted in October 2019 to condemn deteriorating public services, high unemployment, and rampant corruption in Iraq.

Iraqi authorities estimate that more than 560 people have been killed since the protests first erupted three years ago.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar in Ankara