Anti-government protests have escalated in Iraq since last Friday Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has warned that the threat of sectarian strife could push the country into a dangerous situation. Speaking to Arabstoday, Maliki urged those who are backing the demonstrations against his government to come to the table for a peaceful solution to the political crisis.
Maliki's comments came as the People's Committees in Anbar, Nineveh, Salahuddin provinces and a number of cities announced their preparations for mass anti-government demonstrations on Friday, under the slogan of "Leave," calling for Maliki to resign.
A statement issued by the People's Committees stated that: "The People's Committees in Anbar, Mosul, Fallujah, Salahuddin, Samarra, Baghdad and a number of other provinces are preparing take to the streets in demonstrations on Friday under the slogan Leave. Preparations are underway to start mass demonstrations against the policies of the Maliki’s government"
The statement said that "Leave Friday," is a protest against Maliki "because the one who orders security forces to shoot at his own people does not deserve to rule his country."
The statement also called on security forces to avoid "being dragged to a confrontation with the demonstrators."
Last Friday seven demonstrators were killed and 60 injured, in clashes between demonstrators and army forces in Fallujah.
A number of Iraqi provinces of Sunni majority have witnessed demonstrations and sit-ins for more than a month, demanding the release of political detainees, cancellation of a number of laws and decisions which they deemed unjust. The demands have now escalated to calling for the government's dismissal.