Iraqi protests' death toll rises to 460: Rights group

By Amir Al-Saadi

BAGHDAD (AA) - The death toll from anti-government protests in Iraq rose to 460 and at least 17,000 others injured during the last two months, according to Iraq's Independent High Commission for Human Rights.

"At least 460 protesters were killed in October and November in various central and southern cities, including Baghdad," Ali al-Bayati, a representative of the commission, said in a statement.

He stressed that the number of injured protesters exceeded 17,400 and more than 3,000 are permanently disabled as a result of amputation or loss of vision or other injuries.

He commented on the resignation of the former Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi and possibility of an end to the protests, saying that Iraq is in "an ongoing political and security crisis."

"The government's resignation will not suffice to absorb the anger of the protesters," al-Bayati said.

On Dec. 1, the Iraqi parliament accepted the resignation of Abdul-Mahdi amid protests against corruption and poor living conditions in the country.

The premier's resignation came amid mass protests erupted since early October against poor living conditions and government's corruption. Protesters’ demands later spiraled into calls for dissolving Abdel-Mahdi's government.

* Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara