Most of protestors begin to leave after sending their demands – BOC

BAGHDAD / IraqiNews.com: The time set for protests in Baghdad ended at 1:00pm on Friday, in accordance to the licenses given to organizers, spokesman of the Baghdad Operations Command said, noting that the protestors began to leave al-Tahrir square after sending their demands to the authorities. “The BOC will make a decision later regarding lifting curfew and vehicles ban after the end of the peaceful demonstration,” General Qassem Atta told IraqiNews.com news agency. Protesters streamed into central Baghdad on foot after authorities imposed vehicle bans on major cities ahead of rallies over corruption, unemployment and poor public services. The demonstrations come after nationwide protests in more than a dozen cities a week ago, which spurred Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki to give his cabinet 100 days to shape up or face the sack. Vehicle curbs have been applied to all of Baghdad, with the capital’s streets deserted but for a handful of cars attempting to evade checkpoints, and the centre of Basra. Nassiriya, in the south, barred anyone from entering. SH (TP) 547