Iraqis block roads in support of anti-government protests
Tens of thousands of protesters are calling for the overhaul of the political system established after the 2003 US-led invasion.
Iraqi protesters blocked roads in Baghdad on Sunday to increase pressure on the government to resign after more than a week of renewed mass demonstrations.
Protesters blocked one road with burning tyres and barbed wire, and held up a banner reading “Roads closed by order of the people”.
They appeared to be borrowing a tactic from Lebanon, where similar anti-government demonstrations have been under way since October 17, and where protesters have repeatedly blocked major roads.
Protesters have also taken over a large tower in the square that was abandoned after it was damaged in the war.
Thousands of students have missed classes to take part in the protests, blaming the political elite for widespread corruption, high unemployment and poor public services.
Security forces have fired tear gas, rubber bullets and live ammunition at the protesters, killing more than 250 in two waves of demonstrations since early October.
Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi met top security officials late on Saturday, stressing the need to preserve peace, security and the safety of the protesters.
Last week, President Barham Salih said Mr Abdul-Mahdi is willing to resign once political leaders agree on a replacement.
He also called for a new election law and said he would approve early elections once it is enacted, but that process could take weeks or even months.
The protests have only grown since his announcement.
The student, who did not give her name for fear of repercussions, joked that she was willing to treat the country’s politicians free of charge.
