Security forces fired tear gas and live ammunition on the protesters on Friday in an attempt to disperse the crowds.
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Iraq has witnessed an intense wave of violence since the IS controlled sections of northern and western Iraqi regions in June 2014.
Philippine charge d’affaires Elmer Cato said at least three people had died in the incident and reminded “all Filipinos in Baghdad, particularly those in the Green Zone, to remain vigilant and exercise caution in all their movements”.
The Iraqi capital’s Green Zone houses the parliament, government buildings and many foreign embassies.
The protesters – who included supporters of the powerful Shi’ite Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr – are angry about the government’s failure to approve anticorruption reforms and improve security in the country. As we reported earlier this month, they’re frustrated by government deadlock that continues to delay anti-corruption measures.
Iraqi security forces at the time largely stood down, allowing protesters to scale walls and pull down concrete barriers. Online photos showed them holding Iraqi flags and flashing peace signs in front of the insignia of the prime minister’s press office and inside a meeting room.
Soldiers fired real and rubber bullets at the protesters, as well as tear gas.
It was the second time in two weeks that protesters were able to breach the Green Zone.
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“Don’t be with the oppressor, be with the nation”, they chanted as they confronted security forces guarding the entrance to Abadi’s compound. Meanwhile, anger has boiled in his support base of Sadr City, where there have been two bombings in the space of a week. Al-Sadr’s office said the men were there to maintain security and protect against the threat of Islamic State group attacks. Police carrying batons patrolled the streets. Al-Sadr’s militia fighters were also present at the funerals. “Using live bullets against peaceful protesters is completely unjustified and stark evidence that a supposedly legitimate government has turned into an oppressive government”, he said in a statement on Saturday.
