Iraqi Government Says More Than 60 Security Officers on Trial Over Use of Force Against Protesters

Sixty-six Iraqi security officers have been put on trial over the excessive use of force in dispersing protesters, government spokesman Saad Hadisi, said.

On Thursday, the spokesman said that “1,600 demonstrators arrested for participating in protests have been released and 66 security officers faced trial”.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that he would carry out a cabinet reshuffle and introduce changes to election laws. Mahdi said that the government’s resignation, demanded by protesters, would throw the country into chaos.

Mass anti-government demonstrations have been underway in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and several southern areas since October. They have often turned violent and protesters have condemned government forces for attacking them, including with the