UPDATE INCLUDES DEATH TOLL
By Haydar Karaalp
BAGHDAD (AA) – Seven Iraqis have been killed during protests against poor public utilities in southern Basra province, according to the Health Ministry.
Ministry spokesman Seif al-Badr confirmed the total death toll to local media on Saturday, adding that Friday's protests had left three dead and 50 others injured.
In a statement earlier Saturday, al-Badr said the majority of those injured were civilians.
“Two policemen were among the injured in Friday’s protests, ” he said.
On Friday, an angry mob torched the Iranian consulate in Basra as well as a number of government buildings, the spokesman said.
Haymen Bajalan, a member of Iraq’s Human Rights Commission, had criticized the government’s handling of the unrest in Basra.
“There is a total government silence and insecurity in the province amid a rise in assaults on public and private property, ” he said.
Friday’s fatalities bring to at least 30 people killed since protests over poor public utilities began in the province.
Since July 9, Iraq’s Shia-majority central and southern provinces — especially Basra — have been rocked by protests to demand better public services, more job opportunities and an end to government corruption.
