Protests resume in Iraq as PM Kadhimi pledges reform

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Several Iraqi provinces, including the capital city of Baghdad, witnessed a renewed wave of protests on Sunday following a halt in February, with people demanding basic services, and an end to corruption and foreign meddling in Iraq’s domestic affairs.

As Baghdad eases lockdown measures amid the COVID-19 pandemic, protests appear to be regaining momentum with activists calling for mass demonstrations on social media where the large young component of the movement is very active.

Protests resumed overnight on Sunday in the southern province of Basra, where protesters demanded the removal of governor Asaad al-Eidani and his two deputies from office, according to protesters’ statement in footage circulated on social media.

Meanwhile, two protesters were injured as security guards from a militia group headquarters opened fire on people with live ammunition. In response, protesters threw Molotov cocktails (improvised incendiary petrol bomb) at the security guards, Shafaaq News Agency reported.

Earlier on Sunday, protesters returned to Baghdad’s Jumhuriya Bridge – which has been a focal point for demonstrations – that connects Tahrir Square with the Green Zone, an area leading to key government offices and embassies.

“We need to make sure Kadhimi is a man of action, not just words,” a protester told AFP while on his way to Tahrir Square where they threw rocks and Molotov cocktails at police forces, AFP said.

The security forces tried to disperse any gathering on the bridge using tear gas, a source told Kurdistan 24.

During a press briefing on Saturday, Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi announced that he had ordered the release of all detained protesters, except individuals involved in criminal cases.

He also claimed to have ordered “the protection of peaceful protesters and the prevention of violence in all its forms,” in reverberation to similar statements former PM Adil Abdul Mahdi made.

PM @MAKadhimi makes a statement outlining a number of key measures adopted by the new @IraqiGovt. pic.twitter.com/ECnGXdyIa7

— Government of Iraq - الحكومة العراقية (@IraqiGovt) May 10, 2020

The Supreme Judiciary Council issued a statement announcing the release of previously-held detainees from protests in October, in response to Prime Minister Kadhimi’s call. 

The new prime minister also said the national security council had agreed to form a committee “to investigate all the events that took place starting Oct. 1, 2019, up to today… holding to account those who shed Iraqi blood and compensating the families of the martyrs and caring for the wounded.”

Read More: New Iraqi PM reinstates popular commander, frees detained protesters

Editing by Karzan Sulaivany