Cities across Iraq witnessed massive demonstrations against Maliki’s government on Friday. Hundreds of thousands of people across the provinces of Baghdad, Kirkuk, al-Anbar and Diyala staged enormous rallies and protest demonstrations. These gatherings took place while Maliki dispatched numerous military units to the city of Jalula in northern Iraq to prevent any demonstrations.
Demonstrators in the city of Mosul described Maliki as an agent of the Iranian regime, Al Rafedein TV reported. Protesters are saying they will not return to their homes until Maliki is overthrown.
According to this source, three helicopters flying over the huge demonstration in the city of Ramadi fired heat grenades towards the people.
Al Rafedein TV also reported 26 members of the 46th Brigade of the Iraqi Army 12th Division stationed in the city of Huwaija defected from their ranks.
In the city of Samara, demonstrators rallied while chanting “People demand system overthrow” calling for the toppling of Maliki’s government. Demonstrators carried posters portraying Maliki and Hosni Mubarak on two sides of one coin.
Speakers in this gathering said if Maliki’s government refuses to release prisoners, we will go to the Green Zone and free them ourselves.