Iraqi authorities again cut internet access in Baghdad and the south overnight following renewed clashes around official buildings in the capital.
Cyber security NGO NetBlocks said Tuesday that the blackout is "the most severe telecommunication restriction to have been imposed by Iraq's government since protests began" on Oct. 1.
While civil disobedience has been the main tactic since protests calling for the "fall of the regime" resumed on Oct. 24, Monday was marked by violence.
Overnight Sunday, four protesters were killed near the consulate of Iran in the holy city of Karbala, about 100 kilometres (60 miles) south of Baghdad.
Protesters had tried to set fire to the consulate, accusing Iran of propping up the government they are trying to overthrow.
Monday in central Baghdad, security forces fired live ammunition at protesters for the first time since demonstrations resumed on Oct. 24, with clashes continuing into Tuesday.
Clashes flared on bridges leading to the cabinet offices, the foreign and justice ministries, and the Iranian embassy, with protesters throwing stones and security forces firing tear gas and live rounds.
Since protests began on Oct. 1, about 270 people have been killed, mostly protesters, according to figures collated by AFP after authorities stopped releasing death tolls.
From Oct. 1 to 6, officials said 157 people were killed, nearly all protesters shot by snipers, who the government said it was unable to identify.
From Oct. 3, Baghdad cut the internet, only reconnecting it two weeks later. Blocks on social media websites remain in force, but can be bypassed by using a virtual private network (VPN) application.
AFP
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