LIVE updates: Protests start up in Iraq, security arrests organizers

8:15 p.m.

Kurdistan 24 correspondent Shivan Jabary, who is covering the protests live from Basra, says demonstrations on Monday have temporarily been put on hold as Iraqi security forces crackdown on protesters. He adds that demonstrators vow to continue their protests tomorrow. 

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7:30 p.m.

"Our youth are unemployed. We do not have any jobs. This is why we have no choice but to protest until our demands are heard," a demonstrator in Basra tells Kurdistan 24.

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6:20 p.m.

Representatives for protesters in Basra call on government to fulfill demands of demonstrators (provision of electricity, water supplies, creating job opportunities) and vow the protests will continue until the demands are met.

The representatives also called on protesters to demonstrate peacefully and avoid scorching buildings, offices, and other properties. They also call on security forces to stop resorting to violence against demonstrators.

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1:25 p.m.

Protesters in Basra halt demonstrations due to high temperatures. They plan to resume protests after 4:00 pm, one of the organizers told a Kurdistan 24 correspondent.

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12:55 p.m.

Protests start up again in Iraq's Dhi Qar province as demonstrators demand better electricity, drinking water, and employment.

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12:32 p.m.

Protest organizers are planning to hold a million-man march in Baghdad, one of the men involved in the planning of demonstrations told Kurdistan 24.

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12:29 p.m.

Security forces have begun arresting protest organizers in various cities in Iraq for their work in continuing demonstrations which have been raging on for over a week in southern provinces, a security source told Kurdistan 24.

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12:35 p.m.

A protester, wounded in Karbala, died of his injuries, a medical source told Kurdistan 24.

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12:31 p.m.

Iraqi forces are dispersing protesters in Basra's Um Qasr and arresting dozens of civilians, Kurdistan 24 Correspondent in Basra, Shivan Jabbary, reported.  

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Protests on Monday started up again across central and southern Iraq over the lack of public services and high unemployment.