Residents of eastern Baghdad’s ‘Saba Qasur’ district staged a demonstration protesting hollow promises given by Nouri Maliki’s government, Al Sharqiya TV reported.
Boycotting the upcoming elections, the demonstrators declared they will begin unlimited strikes.
The striking protesters blocked the main road connecting Baghdad and the city of Baquba, north of the capital, saying they will continue their strike unless all their demands are met.
“They only gave promises. The government says we will come tomorrow and the next day, but there is nothing in practice. This is the second day we are here and God willing we will stay for 10 to 20 days to reach all our demands,” one demonstrator said.
“We blocked the road between Baghdad and Baquba, raised tents and we will boycott any kind of election, be it for provincial councils or general elections,” another demonstrator emphasized.