Iraqi Spokesman For Sunni Protests Shot Dead

Officials in Iraq say the organizer of antigovernment protests in Kirkuk has been shot dead in a drive-by shooting.

Police say Bunyan Sabar al-Obeidi, a spokesman for Sunni protesters in the oil-rich region, was also the target of an attempted assassination earlier this month.

Since late last year, thousands of Sunnis have been protesting against the Shi'ite-led government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki, saying that recent legislation has been aimed at marginalizing Iraq's Sunni minority.

On March 8, police in Mosul opened fire on Sunni protesters, killing one and wounding five.