Iraqi forces shoot three dead as protests flare

At least three anti-government protesters have been shot dead in the southern city of Nassiriya after Iraqi forces opened fire to disperse a crowd.

More than 100 other people were wounded in the clashes in Nassiriya, officials added.

Since protests erupted in October, security forces have used live ammunition, tear gas and stun grenades against mostly young, unarmed protesters, killing more than 280 people.

Despite some attempts, Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government has failed to address the demands for an overhaul of Iraq's sectarian political system.