Hundreds protest in Iraq, TV station torched

ARBIL, Iraq – Hundreds of protesters inspired by unrest around the Arab world took to the streets of the northern Iraqi city of Sulaimaniya on Sunday and at least 48 people were injured.

A police official said security forces fired in the air when demonstrators chanting against corruption tried to approach the headquarters of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, where clashes on Thursday killed two people and wounded dozens.

“Hospitals in Sulaimaniya received 48 wounded people including 19 police and security forces,” said a health official who asked not to be named. “There are 11 people wounded by gunshots.”

Gunmen raided and set fire to a television station in the city, shutting down broadcasts of the protests, station and government officials said.

The protesters are seeking better public services, the ouster of local officials and other demands. Similar rallies took place in Falluja and other locations.