Iraqi provincial council sacks Baghdad governor amid deadly protests

Source: Xinhua| 2019-10-06 21:03:55|Editor: huaxia
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Protesters burn tires during protests in Baghdad, Iraq, on Oct. 5, 2019.(Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)

The Baghdad governor's dismissal came amid tension in Iraq following violent anti-government protests during the past few days that led to the killing and wounding of more than 4,000 people.

BAGHDAD, Oct. 6 (Xinhua) -- Baghdad's provincial council on Sunday voted to sack the incumbent governor, and called for nomination of an alternative for the post of Baghdad governor, the official television reported.

The members of the provincial council voted unanimously to dismiss the governor Falah al-Jazairi, and to open the door for nomination for the post of governor for five days, the state-run Iraqiya channel said, without giving further details about the reason behind the dismissal.

Al-Jazairi, who is a member of the State of Law coalition headed by former Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, was elected as governor on December 22, 2018.

His dismissal came amid tension in Iraq following violent anti-government protests during the past few days that led to the killing and wounding of more than 4,000 people, including security members.

The protesters are demanding better living, job opportunities and basic services. They blame the deterioration of the country on what they see widespread corruption and incompetence of the government.

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