The deputy prime minister 's bodyguards opened fire in an attempt to disperse the crowd as protesters hurled stones at the stage , Anbar provincial council member Suhaib al-Rawi told CNN . Clashes break out after Iraq 's deputy prime minister arrives to address protesters . The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government that have been taking place since mid-January. The violence comes after nearly a week of protests . Sunni demonstrators say the government is treating them like second-class citizens .
Clashes break out after Iraq 's deputy prime minister arrives to address protesters . The protests are the latest in a series of demonstrations against Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government that have been taking place since mid-January. The violence comes after nearly a week of protests . Sunni demonstrators say the government is treating them like second-class citizens .