Iraq... Protests, road blockages and calls for escalation tomorrow

A security source told Alsumaria News: "The demonstrators closed all roads leading to Tayran Square in central Baghdad, against the background of the tense security situation in the square."

He added: "The security forces continue to throw sound and tear grenades at the demonstrators," pointing to "Cases of suffocation among their ranks."

The blocking, according to demonstrators, came in response to the launch of tear gas and live bullets towards a group of protesting solidarity protesters, at the end of the Dhi Qar deadline granted to the authority and government parties to implement the demands.

The closing of the square comes as the center and south cities are preparing for Sunday, and tomorrow, Monday, for an unprecedented escalation movement, in response to what the demonstrators in Dhi Qar Governorate described as procrastinating the demands of the protesters, foremost of which is the provision of a prime minister away from these parties, and the holding of early elections under UN supervision.

On Sunday, demonstrators blocked key bridges in Dhi Qar and burned tires in implementation of the escalation of the movement against the power parties.

The protesters on Saturday night burned headquarters of the Iraqi Hezbollah forces completely, near the housing bridge in Najaf, according to security sources.

Protesters closed the main gate of Najaf International Airport by burning tires, while groups closed the doors of government departments in the province, in an effort to prevent employees from going to their departments.

Popular movement in Iraq called for escalation on the 20th of January, which coincides with the expiry of the deadlines granted to the authorities to achieve the demands of citizens, especially in the southern provinces.

In another context, a number of deputies revealed a preliminary agreement to resolve the nomination of the new prime minister, expected to announce the personality that will take over as prime minister this week.

The deputy for the construction alliance, Mukhtar Al-Moussawi, revealed that three names were presented as candidates for the post of prime minister.

Al-Musawi said: "Three names were presented as candidates for the post of prime minister, who are Ali Shukri, Advisor to the President of the Republic, and Muhammad Tawfiq Allawi, as well as a third military figure," stressing that "Ali Shukri has the greatest fortune to take over."

J.O