Protesters in Iraq reportedly torch Iranian consulate for third time

For the third time in one week, demonstrators in Iraq’s southern city of Najaf have set fire to the Iranian consulate building, according to local sources.

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – For the third time in one week, demonstrators in Iraq’s southern city of Najaf have set fire to the Iranian consulate building, according to local sources.

Demonstrators had previously set fire to the Iranian consulate on Nov. 28 and once more on Dec. 1.

Al-Arabiya quoted local sources who said the building was set ablaze for a third time on Tuesday as anti-government protests continue in Iraq.

The protests reflect widespread dissatisfaction with the economy, a call for more jobs, the dismal state of public services, and widespread government corruption.

Since they began in early October, demonstrations have resulted in the deaths of over 400, while some 16,000 have been injured, according to Iraq’s High Commission for Human Rights.

The United Nations, as well as Amnesty International, have called for an end to the bloodshed and urged security forces to show restraint against protestors.

Related Article: Iraq to prosecute over 40 security forces responsible for killing protestors: report

Demonstrators in Iraq are calling for radical change in Iraq’s political system, which they say fails to address their needs, but, rather, serves the interests of a small governing elite.

The developments have forced Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi to hand in his resignation. In a special session held on Sunday in Baghdad, the Iraqi Parliament voted to accept Abdul Mahdi’s resignation.