(MENAFN- Kuwait News Agency (KUNA))
BAGHDAD, May 9 (KUNA) -- Iraqi protesters torched the fence of the Iranian consulate in the southern city of Karbala on Sunday, venting their anger over the killing of a prominent civil rights activist they believe was orchestrated by Tehran.
Ihab Al-Wazni was shot to death by unknown gunmen near his home early on Sunday, south of the capital Baghdad, spurring arson attacks by protestors incensed over his killing, with footage on social media purportedly showing police firing gunshots into the air to disperse the demonstrators.
The protestors believe that militias targeting activists in Iraq are backed by Iran, while security forces have been placed on alert to arrest any potential culprits, closing down main roads to prevent further unrest.
The US, through an embassy statement, has condemned Al-Wazni's killing, saying the "use of violence to stop dissent is unacceptable."
Several activists have been killed in Iraq over the past years in what activists say are targeted assassinations. (end)
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