At Least 7 Dead, Embassies Sealed Off As Iraq Protests Rage; Police Open Fire On Crowds

Protests in the Iraqi capital of Baghdad which began relatively peacefully on Tuesday have spiraled out of control Wednesday, and into other cities, after witnessing a heavy handed police response resulting in up to seven reported deaths, according to data from Iraq’s High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), cited also by the AFP.

Though the initial protest origins remain obscure, the larger wave on Wednesday has been generally seen as fueled by anger over corruption, unemployment, and the lack of basic services.

Federal police have sought to clamp down on the increasingly violent demonstrations through rubber bullets, tear gas, and even the use of live ammunition. This prompted a statement from the US Embassy in the country, condemning the violence on both sides. At least 200 people were reported injured on Tuesday alone. 

 “US embassy in Baghdad continues to monitor recent protests closely,” the  statement read. “The right to demonstrate peacefully is a fundamental right in all democracies, but there is no place for violence in demonstrations from any side.”

The embassy confirmed that multiple protesters had been killed as it urged all sides to “reject violence while exercising restraint”. The Iraqi government has vowed to investigate the “heavy-handed response” of security forces in a statement. 

The AFP reported Wednesday that “Iraqi security forces fired live rounds on Wednesday to disperse new protests in the capital.”

Repeat bursts of live fire can be heard in a number of social media videos showing Baghdad’s restive streets on Wednesday. 

While wounded by the riot police ,this young Iraqi civil protester continued praying while live bullets were flying in the air near by. #Iraq #baghdad pic.twitter.com/Gs5c8Vn5ze

— Steven nabil (@thestevennabil) October 1, 2019

As evening fell, large groups of young men were filmed making their way toward the ‘Green Zone’ – the high security zone of the capital that hosts embassies, diplomatic compounds, and the headquarters for various international organizations. 

Protesters are on Al-Jmhuria bridge in #Baghdad aiming to reach the green zone, while massive gun fires are heard being shot by the security forces toward the sky. #العراق pic.twitter.com/Ggr2kAx8rZ

— Lawk Ghafuri (@LawkGhafuri) October 2, 2019

Expressing solidarity with some of the issues demonstrators have complained about, Iraq’s President Barham Salih issued a public statement late Tuesday, telling security forces that “peaceful protest is a constitutional right”.

#Iraq 🇮🇶 BREAKING: several people have been shot by security forces as anti-government protests spread across the capital #Baghdad pic.twitter.com/Ewn0NGJzPq

— Thomas van Linge (@ThomasVLinge) October 1, 2019

The president added: “Our young Iraqi children are looking for reform and jobs, and our duty is to meet these legitimate demands.”