Shafaq News / The cities of southern Iraq witnessed angry protests on Saturday night, in a new escalation practiced by October demonstrators against the government of Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi.

Protesters went out in large cities in the south, wandering the streets, condemning what they called the "corrupt and thieves" stay in power, not being held accountable, and the deteriorating service and living conditions in the country.

Protesters set fire to a former headquarters of Badr Organization led by Hadi al-Amiri, one of the main Shiite poles involved in power since the fall of Saddam's regime, which is close to Iran.

The demonstrators cut the main road to Diwaniyah – Najaf by burning tires, according to Shafaq News reporter.

Since October 1, Baghdad and the predominantly Shiite cities of the south have been witnessing demonstrations calling for early elections and fighting corruption, which prompted former Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi to resign.

About 550 people were killed in violence linked to the protest movement, according to the government human rights commission, the vast majority of them are demonstrators.