The Iraqi people’s enormous demonstrations have begun in numerous cities from 11 am Baghdad time, Al Rafedein TV reported. These rallies are taking place in numerous cities in Ramadi, Fallujah, Samarra, Mosul and various regions in Baghdad.
Hundreds of thousands gathered to hold prayers despite intensive security measures by Maliki’s forces. In Baghdad, security forces imposed road barriers stopping vehicle traffic and ordering people to walk to the demonstrations and show residential cards to security forces proving they actually reside in the particular region of the demonstration.
In Kirkuk, despite numerous checkpoints raised by the Army and various limitations imposed, thousands of demonstrators have gathered in “al-Hurriya” square in Huwaija. Residents of Abu Gharib also gathered to take part in Friday prayers and demonstrations.
In Baghdad’s al-Qazliya region, security forces have closed roads leading into southern Fallujah to prevent people from joining the demonstrations. However, despite these measures the mass rallying in Fallujah has been reported as enormous.
In Jalula in Diyala Province north of Baghdad, Maliki’s forces attempted to prevent people from joining Friday prayers. These actions turned to be futile and people are also preparing for demonstrations.