Thousands took to the streets on Saturday in the biggest protest yet against the government of Iraq's semi-autonomous northern Kurdish area, inspired by uprisings across the Middle East. Protesters say the regional government, funded by a share of Iraq's oil wealth, has become corrupt and undemocratic.
Demonstrators have camped out since last month in the main square of Sulaimaniya, the second largest city in the Kurdish zone, calling for the ouster of the regional government.
Iraq's Kurdish zone enjoys near total autonomy and has been dominated for decades by two political parties whose former guerrilla militias are now the regional security forces.
Thousands of people packed the square on Sunday to celebrate the traditional Kurdish and Persian new year festival of Newroz.
The celebration turned into a protest rally, with crowds waving Kurdish flags and chanting slogans calling for reform and an end to corruption. A giant traditional bonfire burned in the square. Parents held children up to get a better view.
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