Death toll from clashes during the continuing protests in Iraq crosses 50, marking a sharp escalation in the use of force against unarmed protesters
In a televised address to the country early Friday, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said the protesters' "legitimate demands" had been heard, adding that the security measures used against the demonstrations were like "bitter medicine" that needs to be swallowed.
Around sunset, following Friday prayers, the number of protesters grew to more than 1,000 as security forces opened fire in side streets to prevent more people from reaching the square. It also comes on the eve of the Arbaeen Shia pilgrimage, when as many as 20 million worshippers are expected to journey for days on foot across southern Iraq in the world's biggest annual gathering, 10 times the size of the Mecca Hajj.
The endorsement from Sistani prompted celebratory gunfire from protesters and piled new pressure on Mahdi as he battles to quell the intensifying unrest. The crisis required "clear and practical steps" or the protesters will "simply come back even stronger," he said.
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