Protesters attack houses of Iraqi MPs in Dhi Qar

By Hassan al-Amir

BAGHDAD (AA) - Iraqi protesters attacked houses of government officials and lawmakers in the southern province of Dhi Qar, according to a local police officer.

Demonstrators set ablaze the houses of two Shia lawmakers in the province, the officer said on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

Angry protesters also attempted to storm the house of Cabinet Secretary-General Hamid al-Ghazi in the town of Shatrah, the officer said.

"Eight people were injured when security forces opened fire to force the protesters away," he said.

Iraqi provinces have been rocked by mass protests since Friday against corruption and lack of basic services, leaving more than 80 people dead and thousands injured.

The first wave of protests in early October left 149 protesters and eight security personnel dead.

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.

*Bassel Barakat contributed to this report from Ankara