There have been several protests in the capital since the closing on 28 March of "Al-Hawza" newspaper for two months. The newspaper supports Shi'ite Muslim cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, who often speaks out against the United States and its allies in Iraq.
Leaders of today's demonstration, estimated at around 1,000, also called for the release of Mustafa al-Yaqubi, a senior aide of al-Sadr. Spanish forces detained al-Yaqubi in Al-Najaf yesterday, accusing him of inciting violence.
There are also unconfirmed reports of violence at another pro-Sadr demonstration outside the holy city of Al-Najaf today.
Earlier today, the U.S. military said two U.S. Marines were killed yesterday in the western Anbar Province "as a result of enemy action." The province is where four American civilians were killed and their bodies mutilated by Iraqis on 31 March.
Leaders of today's demonstration, estimated at around 1,000, also called for the release of Mustafa al-Yaqubi, a senior aide of al-Sadr. Spanish forces detained al-Yaqubi in Al-Najaf yesterday, accusing him of inciting violence.
There are also unconfirmed reports of violence at another pro-Sadr demonstration outside the holy city of Al-Najaf today.
Earlier today, the U.S. military said two U.S. Marines were killed yesterday in the western Anbar Province "as a result of enemy action." The province is where four American civilians were killed and their bodies mutilated by Iraqis on 31 March.
