​Satire has made a unexpected appearance in latest spate of demonstrations in Iraq. One demonstrator who dressed himself in traditional Indian clothing had this message to relay: 

"I am here today as an Iraqi seeking Indian citizenship - yes, I am seeking Indian citizenship. I've grown tired of my Iraqi status and would like to renounce it today. They (Indians) have 50 gods and I don't see them disagreeing or fighting, whereas we have 1 and can't seem to get along. They eat hot chili peppers and enjoy air-conditioning. Here however, we're cut off, and have no electricity. From today onward consider me Indian, tell your uncle, children, anyone, I do not want to be Iraqi."

A video purportedly shows forces from Najaf's Provincial Council opening fire on protesters, as they marched towards Ayatollah Sistani's house.

They were marching to raise their demands to him, as the highest religious authority in Najaf, after Sistani promised to avenge those who have been betrayed by the government.

​However, he still ordered his protection units to employ force by any means necessary to disperse protesters.