ERBIL, Kurdistan Region—Anti-government protests resumed in Baghdad on October 25, with more tear gas used by security forces in the streets of the Iraqi capital. Photographer Ali Alfahdawi captured powerful moments as the protests turned violent in Tahrir Square, which has now become the center of the city’s demonstrations.
Since October 1, security forces have employed various methods to try and quash the protests in Baghdad, including tear gas canisters, live ammunition and snipers.
On Wednesday, United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq (UNAMI) urged the protesters to engage in peaceful dialogue with the Iraqi government to end the vicious cycle of violence unfolding on the streets of cities nationwide.
Amnesty International released a detailed report on Thursday, citing an Iraqi medical worker who said they have seen six or seven head injuries caused by the grenades since October 25. In five of those cases, the projectile canister was lodged in the victim’s skull.
Amnesty said they were being shot directly at protesters, piercing their skulls and chests.
Anti-government demonstrations that began in early October resumed on October 25 with demonstrators gathering near Tahrir Square, saying they are no longer demanding government reforms, and tackling unemployment, corruption, and lack of public services. This time, they are calling for the overthrow of the government.
The protests intensified last Friday and spread to seven other provinces in southern Iraq, leading to curfews.
Iraq saw nationwide anti-government protests in early October demanding action to tackle high youth unemployment, poverty, poor services, and corruption. The largest protests were in the capital where thousands, mostly young men, took to the streets and were violently suppressed by security forces and armed militia groups. At least 257 people have killed and more than 10,000 injured since October 1, according to the latest data from the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR).