Mass Protests Planned in Baghdad After Deadly Kut Fire
Kurdistan24 reporter Shvan Jabari in Baghdad stated that most malls in the city do not meet safety standards, leading to annual fires in malls and businesses across Iraqi towns during the summer. This situation has raised concerns among citizens.
ERBIL (Kurdistan24) – The Iraqi Interior Ministry has closed more than 500 establishments due to a lack of fire extinguishing systems. Massive demonstrations are scheduled in Baghdad on Friday following a fire in the city of Kut in Wasit province.
Kurdistan24 reporter Shvan Jabari in Baghdad stated that most malls in the city do not meet safety standards, leading to annual fires in malls and businesses across Iraqi towns during the summer. This situation has raised concerns among citizens. A significant demonstration is planned for al-Tahrir Square in Baghdad.
The Interior Minister has ordered the closure of all establishments that fail to meet safety requirements in Baghdad and other provinces. In just five days, more than 500 shops, malls, markets, and commercial buildings in Baghdad without fire extinguishing systems have been shut down.
On July 17, a fire broke out in a hypermarket in Kut, which had been open for only a week, resulting in approximately 70 deaths, including women, men, and children.
In the aftermath of the incident, widespread demonstrations erupted in the city, and citizens demanded the resignation of local officials. The Interior Ministry's committee decided to temporarily suspend 17 officials and three officers in the province for investigation. Additionally, Wasit Governor Muhammad Jamil al-Mayahi resigned on Wednesday.
