Death toll from new waves of protests in Iraq rises to 21

BAGHDAD, Oct. 25 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi authorities said on Friday said the casualty toll from the new waves of nationwide protests has risen to 21 dead and 1,779 wounded.

According to a statement by the Iraqi Independent High Commission for Human Rights, the 21 protesters were killed by either tear gas suffocation or live bullets during their clashes with security forces and guards of political offices.

Eight people were killed in the capital Baghdad, six in each of the provinces of Maysan and Dhi-Qaar and one in Muthanna Province, the parliament-affiliated commission said.

A total of 1,493 people were wounded in Baghdad, it added.