One killed, others injured in central Baghdad shooting

At least one Iraqi protester was killed and dozens injured overnight (Sunday) after riot police used live bullets to end the protest that has been going on since October last year in central Baghdad.

According to media sources, riot police attacked demonstrators in the sit-in marquee in the square and Umma Park with heavy live bullets, killing a protester named “Abu Ahmed al-Tamimi”.

Al-Tamimi died at a hospital, east of Baghdad, due to wounds he had sustained in the head.

The source added that dozens of demonstrators were injured by live bullets and batons used by  riot police who burned the sit-in marquee.

Iraq has been witnessing protests in the central and southern provinces of Baghdad since October last year, and has been exacerbated recently by deteriorating services and power outages in conjunction with the severe heat wave that is hitting the country.

Source: Agencies.