Wed 02 October 2019:
Hundreds of anti-government protesters took to the streets of southern Baghdad on Wednesday for a second day as the army deployed forces around the city following clashes with civilians.
“A peaceful demonstration began on Wednesday morning in Zaafaaraniya area in southeast of Baghdad,” the Iraqi news agency said, a day after security forces fired warning shots and used tear gas to disperse thousands of angry protesters.
The clashes were some of the most violent in the Iraqi capital in more than a year, signalling that the country could be facing a new round of political instability.
Two people were killed and more than 200 wounded in the unrest, including 160 civilians, the health ministry said. It did not provide further details.
As well as the capital, protests spread to several Iraqi provinces and cities including Najaf, Basra, Nasiriyah and Diwaniyah.
Those that took to the streets included hundreds of fresh university graduates who are unable to find jobs in the corruption-plagued but oil-rich country.
They demanded that the government be changed because of its failure to improve public services and create jobs.
The United Nations expressed “grave concern” over the violence used in Tuesday’s demonstrations.
UN Special Representative for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, called for calm and urged the authorities to exercise restraint when handling protests to ensure the safety of peaceful protesters.
“Every individual has the right to speak freely, in keeping with the law,” Ms Hennis-Plasschaert said.
Iraqi President Barham Salih also called for restraint and for security services to respect the law.
“Peaceful protest is a constitutional right for all citizens. Our sons in the security forces have the duty to protect citizens’ rights and to maintain public security,” Mr Salih said on Twitter.
“Iraq’s youth are looking towards reform and job opportunities, our duty is to meet these legitimate aspirations”. He closed by saying “may the martyrs rest in peace and the wounded recover”.
Former Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi condemned the use of excessive force against the demonstrators and urged the government to open an investigation.
Lack of good governance has been central to Iraq’s problems. Transparency International ranks Iraq 168 out of 180 countries on its Corruption Perception Index.
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