Policeman injured as protests resume in Iraq’s Basra

<p>By Ali Jawad</p> <p>BAGHDAD (AA) – At least one policeman was injured — along with an unspecified number of protesters — after demonstrations erupted on Friday in Iraq's oil-rich Basra province.</p> <p>Dozens gathered outside Basra’s local government headquarters, where they demanded the dissolution of Basra’s provincial council, tougher anti-corruption measures and more job opportunities.</p> <p>Violence broke out after demonstrators torched a police van, to which security forces responded with teargas and batons.</p> <p>“At least one policeman was hurt in the fray when he was struck by a rock thrown by a protester,” Army Lieutenant Mohamed Khalaf told Anadolu Agency.</p> <p>Speaking to Anadolu Agency by phone, Rafed al-Kenani, a demonstrator, said security forces were using “excessive force” against unarmed protesters.</p> <p>Since July of last year, Basra — along with Iraq’s other southern provinces — have been rocked by sporadic popular protests.</p> <p>Protesters demand improved public services, more job opportunities and an end to perceived government corruption.</p>

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