ERBIL — Hundreds of Iraqis took back to streets in the southern province of Basra on Thursday to condemn the killing of another protester by the security forces.

Demonstrations have been ongoing in Iraq’s for about two months, in which people demand better public services and more jobs. Security forces are facing criticisms for violent approaches when trying to disperse the demonstrators.

On Wednesday, the security forces reportedly killed one demonstrator and injured several other.

At least 20 others have been taken into police custody, Anadolu Agency reported.

Protester Rafed al-Kanaani told Anadolu Agency that protesters had set up tents outside the governor’s office on Wednesday, where they announced the launch of an open-ended sit-in “to protest police heavy-handedness and the government’s apparent unwillingness to meet our demands”.

“Security forces are using teargas and heavy ammunition against unarmed demonstrators,” he said.

Basnews