Living conditions, security, activists' arrests in Dhi Qar province,
"There is no doubt if those arrests continue, which are baseless, it will affect the security situation in Dhi Qar province because we’ve witnessed similar bad experiences in the past” A local resident from Dhi Qar stated to Kurdistan 24.
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan 24) – In an interview arranged by Kurdistan 24 with activists in Dhi Qar province, on Wednesday October 23rd, 2024, expressed their worries regarding the arrests made by the security forces to the protesters.
The protesters confirmed the demonstrations and roadblocks will resume if the security circumstance in Dhi Qar stays unchanged.
Meanwhile, Dhi Qar local authorities announced their request to the Republic of Iraq President and Prime Minister to cancel the arrests, so the situation in the province would further deteriorate.
The activists had revealed their fears regarding the security situation in the city through social networks, which led to demonstrations, roadblocks and the closure of government offices.
"There is no doubt if those arrests continue, which are baseless, it will affect the security situation in Dhi Qar province because we’ve witnessed similar bad experiences in the past” A local resident from Dhi Qar stated to Kurdistan 24.
Another resident stated “an arresting order issued for a large number of citizens, especially activists who participated in the October demonstrations, we support law enforcement, but law enforcement must be through legal mechanisms,”
The officials predict the situation in Dhi Qar province to heading for another revolution because young people demand change in the living conditions, job opportunities and improved services.
They support the view of the central government to lift the arrest against young people are requesting change in their bitter living conditions in Dhi Qar province.
Ahmed Khafaji, a member of Province Council stated "After years of October demonstrations, we have asked the prime minister and the president to issue an amnesty for the activists and demonstrators who were arrested, our initiative will have a major impact on the security situation in Dhi Qar and open a new chapter,”
The protests are still going on in Dhi Qar province, it is understood that it the central government does not respond to the protesters’ requests, they will use more and different pressure to make the authorities to respond.
According to the statements, these include cutting off roads between provinces, burning tires and closing government offices and organizations.