Public Outrage Mounts in Kut as Victims of Hypermarket Fire Are Laid to Rest
On Sunday, large crowds gathered in front of government offices, demanding the resignation of the Wasit governor and provincial officials.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) — Protests have intensified in the city of Kut following the tragic fire at a local hypermarket on July 17, which resulted in the deaths of at least 100 people, according to demonstrators.
On Sunday, large crowds gathered in front of government offices, demanding the resignation of the Wasit governor and provincial officials. Protesters are calling for full accountability and justice, citing alleged administrative and security negligence that contributed to the disaster.
"Our only demand is to punish those responsible for the fire," demonstrators told Kurdistan24. "The governor and the entire provincial administration must step down."
As public pressure grew, families of the victims began the painful process of laying their loved ones to rest. The forensic department at Zahra Hospital announced this morning that DNA testing had helped identify 15 of the deceased, whose remains have been handed over to their families for burial.
The fire has sparked a wave of anger and sorrow across Iraq, with human rights organizations urging a transparent investigation and swift action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
