THI QAR / Aswat al-Iraq: Two demonstrations, with limited numbers, took part here today against corruption and denominationalism.

 

 

The organizer of anti-corruption demonstration was arrested, and then released later.

 

 

The second demonstration was in support of the government, with the participation of some hundreds, who called for anti-sectarianism and foreign interventions and the unity of the country.

 

 

Mohammed Yassir, of "Anti-corruption Iraqis" organization told Aswat al-Iraq that their demonstration was held before the premises of the province against financial and administrative corruption.

 

 

He added that "the local government protection bodyguards ordered us to withdraw our placards, without exposing the reasons".

 

 

Yassir reported that he was beaten and handcuffed to be sent to the Intelligence Department, where he stayed for two hours, of arbitrary arrest, before releasing him upon order from the chairman of the provincial council.

 

 

He added that the demonstration had "necessary approval, with no legal reasons to prevent it, but I was put to a number of pressures not to demonstrate".

 

 

On the other hand, hundreds of citizens demonstrated in support of the government and rejection of denominationalism and division.

 

 

Both the governor and chairman of the provincial council made speeches, expressing support to the federal government.

 

 

The provincial council called yesterday to organize this demonstration, under the slogan of "Supporting National Unity" to demand rejecting denominationalism and regional interventions in Iraqi affairs".

 

 

Nassiriya, center of the province, lies 365 km south of the capital, Baghdad.

 

 

Anbar, Ninewa and Salahal-Din are witnessing massive demonstrations for the last ten days, calling for the release innocent prisoners and adoption of general amnesty law, in addition to other demands, including stopping the neglect practiced against