Basra Residents Protest New Electricity Schedule Amid Heat

BAGHDAD, Iraq — Demonstrations erupted Friday in Basra's southern Kurna district and northern neighborhoods as residents protested a new electricity schedule that cuts power for four hours and restores it for two. Demonstrators carried signs reading "no to corruption, yes to reform" and called on local and federal authorities to explain the reduction in supply hours. Residents said rising temperatures have increased their dependence on electricity, compounding the hardship of the cuts. The crisis has hit northern Basra particularly hard, where concentrations of patients, elderly residents and people with chronic conditions make residents more vulnerable to power disruptions. Protesters warned they would escalate demonstrations in coming days if the situation remains unresolved. Basra has experienced widespread protests over electricity and basic services in previous years, especially during the summer months.