Iraq: Death toll climbs to 63 amid resumed protests

By Haydar Karaalp

BAGHDAD (AA) - The death toll rose to 63 in Iraq since the latest eruption of anti-government protests, the country's rights commission said Saturday.

The Iraq High Commission for Human Rights announced the latest death toll since the eruption of protests on Tuesday.

At least 2,592 people -- including security officials -- have been injured in the protests in the capital Baghdad and the southern cities, the commission said.

Over the past month, Iraq witnessed mass anti-corruption protests which left hundreds dead. Successive Iraqi governments have failed to put an end to nepotism and corruption as the current government struggles to end the mismanagement of public funds.

Protests paused for the observation of religious ceremonies in the southern city of Karbala, before flaring up again on Friday.

Over 200 people died, with 8,000 injured during the protests, which spread from Baghdad to southern cities.

According to the World Bank figures, Iraq has a high rate of youth unemployment around 25%. It is also ranked as the 12th most-corrupt country in the world by several transparency organizations.