BAGHDAD: A protester died Tuesday after being shot as clashes erupted between demonstrators and Iraqi security forces in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, Iraqi security officials and a rights monitor said. Security forces used live ammunition to disperse crowds after protesters began throwing stones, witnesses and Iraqi officials said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity in
Iraqi protesters take to streets, decry targeted killings of prominent activists and journalists
In the last year alone, 15 Iraqis were killed and there were 30 attempted killings recorded by the commission, said spokesman Ali al-Bayati.
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Anti-government protesters chant slogans as they hold posters of slain activist Ehab Wazni outside the Green Zone (Photo | AP) By Associated Press
BAGHDAD: Hundreds of Iraqis took to the streets in Baghdad on Tuesday to protest what they say is the impunity of those behind a rising number of targeted killings of prominent activists and journalists.
Demonstrators gathered in the capital s Tahrir Square amid heavy security, among them protesters from southern provinces including Dhi Qar and Karbala. Tensions there have mounted in recent weeks over the increasingly frequent targeted killings.
The semi-official Independent High Commission for Human Rights reported that nearly 35 activists have been killed in Iraq since an anti-government protest movement swept Iraq in October 2019. There have been nearly 82 attempted killings since then.
In the last year alone, 15 Iraqis were killed and there were 30 attempted killings recorded by the commission, said spokesman Ali al-Bayati.
Protesters expressed outrage that despite launching several investigations into the killings, Iraqi authorities have not named any perpetrators. They widely believe the killers to be linked to Iran-backed militia groups and that the government is powerless and unwilling to identify them.
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Smoke rises during clashes between security forces and anti-government protesters in Tahrir Square in Baghdad, todayCredit: Hadi Mizban / AP
1 killed as protesters scuffle with Iraqi security forces
SAMYA KULLAB, Associated Press
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1of9Anti-government protesters chant slogans as they hold posters of slain activist Ehab Wazni outside the Green Zone area which houses the seat of the country s government and foreign embassies, in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Hundreds of Iraqi protesters have taken to the streets of Baghdad to decry a recent spike in assassinations targeting outspoken activists and journalists.Khalid Mohammed/APShow MoreShow Less
2of9Anti-government protesters chant slogans as they hold posters of slain activists outside the Green Zone area which houses the seat of the country s government and foreign embassies, in Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Hundreds of Iraqi protesters have taken to the streets of Baghdad to decry a recent spike in assassinations targeting outspoken activists and journalists.Khalid Mohammed/APShow MoreShow Less