(ANSA) - BEIRUT, MARCH 15 - There are about ten injured, some even seriously, in the violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement agencies that occurred in the last hours in Iraq, the site of the Pope's recent visit, in the context of prolonged anti -governments against corruption and customers and against the excessive power of the pro-Iranian militias.
This was reported today by the media in Baghdad, according to which the violence is recorded in Najaf, the Shiite holy city and the place of the meeting in recent days between the Pope and the Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani, one of the greatest authorities of world Shiism.
The clashes in Najaf began on Saturday and continued intermittently throughout Sunday.
The protesters gathered near the governor's palace, which represents the central power of Baghdad at the local level, demanding his removal.
Other demonstrators blocked the streets by setting fire to tires and garbage bins.
For its part, the police and security forces intervened with jets of fire hydrants and with tear gas shots and rubber bullets at close range and at head height.
Some protesters were seriously injured in the face, media reports this morning.
Similar protests have occurred in other centers of southern Iraq with a Shiite majority in the regions of Babel, Diwaniya, Dhi Qar, Muthanna.
Demonstrators are also calling for the resignation of local governors here.
(HANDLE).
