BASRA, Iraq - Dozens of young people and activists rallied near local government headquarters in Basra on Friday night to demand justice for a demonstrator who was killed in a recent electricity protest.
“The protesters also demanded from the security forces to stop using live ammunition against protesters,” said Hassan al-Khallati, a member of Iraqi parliament with the Al-Mwatin (Citizen) bloc.
“A shootout occurred between the protesters and the local police, leading to the death of a male protester aged 20. The people of Basra poured to the street condemning the incident in front of the government buildings.”
Khallati added, “The protesters demanded the courts take necessary legal measures against the shooter, and prohibit using live ammunition against civilians.”
The lawmaker said local elements were trying to destabilize Basra, claiming the oil-rich city is more secure than other cities in central and southern Iraq.
“Some neighboring countries do not wish peace and stability for Iraq and work on destroying the country,” he said.
Hundreds of civilians took to the streets on Thursday to protest the lack of electricity in the city. The protests continued until the early hours of Eid on Friday.
