Clashes erupt anew between protesters, security forces in Baghdad

BAGHDAD, Jan 21 (MENA) - Clashes between Iraqi security forces and protesters broke out anew on Mohammed al-Qasim Highway in central Baghdad, a local security source said on Tuesday.

In a statement to Alsumaria news channel, the source added that the security forces fired tear-gas to disperse the protesters, adding that seven demonstrators suffered suffocation and were carried to a nearby hospital.

On Monday, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert called on Iraqi authorities to exert the utmost effort to protect the peaceful protesters.

She also urged the demonstrators to abide by peaceful protests and avoid violence.