Iraqi opposition reports killings and arrests in al-Nasereyah

A press statement released by the Higher Council of the Islamic Revolution in Iraq, an Iraqi opposition Shiite faction, said that five persons were killed, another 11 wounded and 300 arrested in al-Nasereyah city on January 15.

The statement, of which a copy was sent to the London-based al-Hayat daily, said that these incidents took place in "a huge people's demonstration organized by worshipers before the security directorate of al-Nasereyah province to release Sheikh Aws, Imam of al-Nasereyah city who was arrested by the Iraqi authorities one day earlier.

The statement asserted that the security men opened fire on the demonstrators and dropped bombs on them, after the demonstrators cordoned off the building of the security directorate where Sheikh Aws is being held.