Clashes erupt during medical graduates' protest in Baghdad, dozens injured

ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – Dozens of medical graduates from the Class of 2023 were injured during a protest in Baghdad on Monday, August 19, 2024, as tensions flared between demonstrators and security forces.

The graduates had gathered in front of the Ministry of Finance headquarters in central Baghdad, demanding government appointments.

Their frustration stemmed from the lack of job opportunities despite completing their medical education. The protest quickly escalated when law enforcement forces were heavily deployed to the area.

More than 22 demonstrators were reported injured following clashes with the security forces.

According to eyewitness accounts, the forces used electric batons and engaged in shoving matches with the protesters, who in turn responded by throwing stones. The injury count is expected to rise as this is only a preliminary toll.

The situation became so volatile that the Baghdad Operations Commander arrived on the scene in an attempt to restore order and calm the tensions.

In response to the escalating violence, the Ministry of Interior issued a statement clarifying the events.

According to the ministry, the demonstration began at 6:40 AM on Monday, and some protesters attempted to close the doors of the Ministry of Finance and block nearby roads. The security forces, following legal procedures, intervened to prevent the blockade.

The ministry further noted that while performing their duty, several security personnel were injured during the riots.

Despite the unrest, the ministry assured that the situation was eventually brought under control, with stability and calm restored in the area where the demonstration took place.