Protesters wage civil disobedience in Iraq's Basra

BAGHDAD

Iraqi demonstrators blocked major roads in Basra on Sunday, as protests continued in the southern city for economic reforms and overhaul of the political system.

The escalation is part of a civil disobedience campaign waged by protesters to pile pressure on the Iraqi government to fulfill their demands.

"The civil disobedience is a response to failure of the government and parliament to achieve our demands," Jasim al-Edani, a protester, told Anadolu Agency.

He said protesters sealed off roads in western Basra, preventing employees from going to work.

In Baghdad, security forces warned demonstrators against approaching a cement barrier near the fortified Green Zone.

A second wave of anti-government protests rocked several Iraqi provinces last week against deep-seated corruption, unemployment and lack of basic services.

At least 260 people have been killed and 12,000 others injured in the unrest, according to the High Commission of Human Rights.

Anger has been building in Iraq in recent years due to rising unemployment and rampant corruption. Many people in the country have limited access to basic services such as electricity and clean water.

According to World Bank figures, Iraq's youth unemployment is around 25%. It is also ranked the 12th most-corrupt country in the world by several transparency organizations.

*Ahmed Asmar contributed to this report from Ankara