One killed as Iraqi protesters march towards Baghdad's Green Zone

Protesters stand on a concrete wall during a protest over corruption, lack of jobs, and poor services, in Baghdad, Iraq on October 25. (REUTERS Photo)

BAGHDAD, October 25 (Reuters): A protester struck in the face by a tear gas canister died in Baghdad on Friday as Iraqi security forces sought to repel demonstrators protesting at corruption and economic hardship, police and medical sources said.

The authorities have struggled to address discontent since sometimes violent unrest erupted in Baghad on Oct. 1, spreading to southern cities. Demonstrators blame corrupt officials and political elites for failing to improve their lives.

At least one protester has died and more than 200 were wounded in the latest disturbances.

The unrest has posed the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi since he took office just one year ago. Despite promising reforms and a broad cabinet reshuffle, the premier has so far struggled to address protesters' roiling discontent.

In an address late on Thursday night, he warned that any collapse of government would drag Iraq into further turmoil.

How the government and security forces will handle planned protests on Friday is a litmus test for the stability of the country with political leaders already on edge.

Politicians and parties planned to have a stronger presence on Friday, but their interference continued to be roundly rejected by protesters.

"Our demands are the resignation of the entire government, the dissolution of all political parties, a good life. We came here in a peaceful protest for this," said Mahmoud al-Shummari, 51, one of thousands who gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square.

Hundreds of people, some of whom had camped overnight in the square, made attempts throughout the morning to march towards the city's fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and foreign embassies, when they were stopped by security forces.

The country's top cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, who in recent weeks has criticised the government's handling of the protests, urged calm on all sides during his sermon on Friday.