Iraq: Baghdad governor sacked amid protests

Security forces confront Iraqi demonstrators with water cannons and tear gas canisters as they tenter Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq on 1 October 2019 [Murtadha Sudani/Anadolu Agency]

Iraqi demonstrators try to enter Green Zone as they gather for a demonstration against Iraqi government in Baghdad, Iraq on October 01, 2019 [Murtadha Sudani / Anadolu Agency]

Iraqi demonstrators attempt to enter the Green Zone as they gather for a demonstration against Iraqi government in Baghdad, Iraq on 1 October 2019 [Murtadha Sudani/Anadolu Agency]

Iraqi demonstrators try to enter Green Zone as they gather for a demonstration against Iraqi government in Baghdad, Iraq on 1 October 2019 [Murtadha Sudani / Anadolu Agency]

The Baghdad Provincial Council on Sunday voted to dismiss governor Falah al-Jazairi amid protests in the Iraqi capital, according to local media and Anadolu Agency.

The 58-member council voted unanimously to remove al-Jazairi from his post, Al-Iraqiya television said.

According to the report, the provincial council will accept applications within days from candidates for the position.

The move came amid demonstrations in Baghdad and southern provinces against high unemployment and rampant corruption since October 1.

At least 100 people have been killed and more than 2,500 others injured in the protests, according to an anonymous official from Iraq’s Health Ministry.

Protesters are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi as well as improvements in living conditions and an end to corruption.

Discontent has been growing in Iraq in recent years due to rising unemployment and rampant corruption. Many in the country have limited access to basic services such as electricity and clean water, and unemployment is around 10%.

Iraq: Speaker vows to join protests if demands unmet

Iraqi demonstrators burn tires and block roads during an anti-government protests in Baghdad, Iraq on October 2, 2019 [Murtadha Sudani / Anadolu Agency]

An Iraqi man burns tires during an anti-government protests in Baghdad, Iraq on October 2, 2019 [Murtadha Sudani / Anadolu Agency]

People gather to protest government due to corruption, unsolved unemployment issue and inadequate public service in Baghdad, Iraq on 2 . October 2019 [Murtadha Sudani / Anadolu Agency]

People burn tires as they gather to protest government due to corruption, unsolved unemployment issue and inadequate public service in Baghdad, Iraq on 2 October 2019 [Murtadha Sudani /Anadolu Agency]

People gather to protest against the government due to corruption, unsolved unemployment issue and inadequate public service in Baghdad, Iraq on 2 October 2019 [Murtadha Jasim Abdulzahra Al-Sudani / Anadolu Agency]