SCORES of protesters were detained along with former MPs and journalists in the northern Iraqi city of Slemani today as security forces fired on an anti-government demonstration.

With the Kurdish uprising continuing to spread, military vehicles prowled the city’s streets and heavily armed militiamen were deployed in a show of force as large crowds formed in defiance of a ban on unauthorised demonstrations.

Live bullets and tear gas were fired to disperse those gathered in Slemani’s crowded bazaar, while security personnel also opened fire on protesters in the city of Kalar.