Three-Day Boycott Called for in Madain

An unidentified body distributing pamphlets in Madain (south of Baghdad) criticized the random arrests of civilians under the guise of confronting terror and urged the government to treat people with more respect. The group, which said it spoke for the people of Iraq, called on residents to stay in their houses and boycott visits to government offices for three days until the government positively responds to their demands. The body warned that anyone who violated the boycott would be considered a police supporter. Consequently, the police and army forces sealed off the city to attempt to control security.