BAGHDAD: Protesters clashed with anti-riot police Friday in Iraq despite the premier’s pleas for patience and an internet blackout on the fourth day of mass rallies that have left 34 dead.
Many were awaiting a signal in the midday sermon of Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, Iraq’s highest Shiite Muslim authority, that would influence the revolt in the predominantly-Shiite areas.
Before dawn, Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi appeared in his first televised address since the protests kicked off on Tuesday, asking for more time to implement a reform agenda in a country plagued by corruption and unemployment after decades of conflict.
As the pre-recorded address played on state television, heavy gunfire rang out across Baghdad and two more protesters and one police officer were killed in the south.
(Agencies)
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