Death toll in Iraqi protests rises to 35 as protesters break curfew

Death toll in Iraqi protests rises to 35 as protesters break curfew



2019/10/03 11:22:12

The death toll in three days of protests has risen to 35 and more than 1,000 wounded.

Demonstrators defied the curfew, which took effect in the Iraqi capital Baghdad at dawn on Thursday, coinciding with the decision to form a committee to deal with the demands of the demonstrators.

On Tuesday, Iraq witnessed the launch of a protest movement demanding the departure of the "corrupt" and securing job opportunities for young people, which now extended to most southern cities.



Iraqis demonstrate in Baghdad

On Thursday, Iraqi security forces again fired live ammunition to disperse demonstrators gathered in central Baghdad despite a curfew that went into effect at dawn.

This new day is a real test for the government of Adel Abdul Mahdi, which at the end of this month completes its first year in power.

Since Tuesday, social discontent between resentment of corruption, unemployment and lack of public services has spread to cities in the south of the country. To date, this movement seems to be spontaneous. No political or religious party or leader has expressed support for it, in what is considered a precedent in Iraq.



An Iraqi officer monitors the security situation in Baghdad

Riot police fired "live bullets" into the air to disperse dozens of demonstrators who lit tires in Tahrir Square and repelled the protesters towards sub-streets adjacent to the main gathering place.

Tahrir Square is a traditional starting point for demonstrations in Baghdad, separated from the Green Zone by the al-Jumhuriya Bridge, where security forces have been tightened since Tuesday.



Demonstrators try to rescue an injured during demonstrations in Iraq

LINK