Protests in South Iraq leave three dead

Demonstrations against power cuts and corruption go on in various city of South Iraq.

Demonstrations in South Iraq to protest against the power cuts and poor service are ongoing. 

Three people have lost their life during the protests on Saturday when the crowd was attacked by Iraqi security forces.

Protests are going on in Najaf and Meysan. Demonstrators have set on fire some party buildings, including Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi's party.

The people are protesting against corruption and unemployment and demanding improved public services. The protests spread from the oil city of Basra to other places in Iraq including Najaf.

On Friday there was an attempt to occupy the airport of Najaf. The action led to a halt in air traffic. Shiite leader Ali al-Sistani said he supported the protesters and also criticized the inadequacy of public services.

On Friday Haider al-Abadi traveled to Basra to address the growing protests.  In a televised speech, he said, "We can only support the demands of our valued citizens whose pain we understand."

Oil production accounts for 89 percent of the Iraqi budget and 99 percent of its exports, but only one percent of the workers work in oil production. In particular, foreign oil companies generally do not hire Iraqis.

According to official figures, the unemployment rate in Iraq is 10.8 percent. Unemployment among the under 24-year-olds, who make up 60 percent of the country's population, is much higher.