Iraqi security forces used water cannons and batons to disperse protesters on Friday in the southern oil hub of Basra in the south, while thousands of Iraqis throughout the country protesting against corruption and poor basic services. Demonstrations against the lack of jobs, electricity, water and other services have increased since the Iraqi-inspired protests triggered in the Arab world, demanding reforms to a government formed after elections in December last year.
In Basra, about 700 demonstrators who were near the provincial council headquarters were dispersed by force by soldiers and policemen after they refused to defuse the protest. A journalist said that some reporters were also beaten by security forces. The authorities declared a restriction of vehicular traffic.
"I looked for work for six years and still have not found. (The officers) ask for bribes to hire people," said Noor Mohammed, a graduate of the faculty of engineering at Basra University, 30. "I regret to elect these people because their democracy is that people should smile (Prime Minister Nouri) al-Maliki and say nothing," he added.
Thousands of Iraqis demonstrated around the country also on Friday. At least 10 people died and dozens were injured in clashes with security forces. Unlike other countries in the region where output is claimed autocrats veterans, Iraq and saw the overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein for eight years in the hands of the US-led invasion.
But despite having the opportunity to choose their leaders, the public is very dissatisfied with a political system that has perpetuated figures with ethnic and sectarian power and failed to restore basic services. Many protests have taken provincial capital, where Iraqi decentralized system concentrates power in the hands of regional commanders.
On Friday, about 3,000 people gathered in the square Celebration Mosul to protest against corruption. Many carried pictures of relatives who were killed in last week's marches. 
In Basra, about 700 demonstrators who were near the provincial council headquarters were dispersed by force by soldiers and policemen after they refused to defuse the protest. A journalist said that some reporters were also beaten by security forces. The authorities declared a restriction of vehicular traffic.
"I looked for work for six years and still have not found. (The officers) ask for bribes to hire people," said Noor Mohammed, a graduate of the faculty of engineering at Basra University, 30. "I regret to elect these people because their democracy is that people should smile (Prime Minister Nouri) al-Maliki and say nothing," he added.
Thousands of Iraqis demonstrated around the country also on Friday. At least 10 people died and dozens were injured in clashes with security forces. Unlike other countries in the region where output is claimed autocrats veterans, Iraq and saw the overthrow of dictator Saddam Hussein for eight years in the hands of the US-led invasion.
But despite having the opportunity to choose their leaders, the public is very dissatisfied with a political system that has perpetuated figures with ethnic and sectarian power and failed to restore basic services. Many protests have taken provincial capital, where Iraqi decentralized system concentrates power in the hands of regional commanders.
On Friday, about 3,000 people gathered in the square Celebration Mosul to protest against corruption. Many carried pictures of relatives who were killed in last week's marches.
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