Protests in Iraq turn deadly and spread nationwide
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The demonstrations have posed the first major challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi, who formed his government a year ago this month and who controversially blamed the violence on “aggressors” among the protesters.
Some 60 people were wounded across Baghdad on Wednesday, including nine from bullets and the rest from tear gas inhalation, medical sources said.
In addition to Baghdad and Nasiriyah, crowds also gathered in Najaf and the flashpoint southern city of Basra, which was rocked by protests last year.
Since erupting in Baghdad on Tuesday, they have spread to other cities in the country’s south, with crowds railing against state corruption, failing public services and unemployment.
Iraqi demonstrators burn tires during clashes and protests at Baladiyat district, eastern Baghdad, Iraq, 02 October 2019. According to media reports thousands of Iraqis continue to hold protests in Baghdad over corruption, unemployment, the rising cost of living and lack of services. EPA-EFE/MURTAJA LATEEF
On Wednesday, five protesters and a police officer were shot dead in the southern city of Nasiriyah.
Amid concerns over additional protests, a curfew was ordered in Baghdad after Iraqi authorities announced Thursday would be an official holiday. Curfews had already been imposed in two cities, Nasiriyah and the holy city of Najaf, after protests broke out.
