Shiites storm National Assembly, clash with police

Protesting Shiite sect members have stormed the National Assembly, clashing with policemen in their bid to force their way into the complex.

Several people including policemen were wounded when the protesters tried to gain entry into the complex.

On their way into the first gate of the Assembly, the protesters damaged vehicles including a police van with some policemen injured in the process.

Eyewitnesses said policemen locked the entrance of the National Assembly as sounds of gunshots rented the air.

The protesters are demanding the release of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

Mr El-Zakzaky has been arrested since December 2015 after soldiers clamped down on his supporters and killed at least 347 of them. The soldiers accused the Shiite group of blocking a major road that was to be used by  the Chief of Army staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai.

The killing of the Shiites has been condemned by local and international rights groups.

Since the December 2015 incident, Mr El-Zakzaky and his wife Zeenah have been in detention initially without trial for about a year. They were eventually charged with murder for the death of a soldier during the December 2015 incident.