Iraqi human rights commission condemns use of deadly force in protests

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Iraq’s Supreme Human Rights Commission (IHCHR) on Monday strongly condemned the killing of 103 Iraqi protesters and security force members, asserting it would take cases of violence to court.

Protests over unemployment, corruption, nepotism, and lack of services have gripped Baghdad and southern Iraq since October 1. Though they appear to have relented nationwide in the last two days, clashes have persisted in eastern Baghdad's Sadr City.

The IHCHR, Iraq's highest human rights body, has put the total death toll of both protesters and security forces at 103, while 4,035 more have been injured.

“The Supreme Human Rights Commission in Iraq condemns the use of excessive force, live rounds, tear gas, hot water, severe beatings and spontaneous detention by security forces,” it said in a Monday evening statement.

The excessive force used by security forces “violates the security rules of engagement and constitutes a violation of the Civil and Political Convention,” the Commission added.

According to the Commission, 40 percent of deaths and injuries were caused by live rounds, 20 percent by rubber bullets, 40 percent by rock throwing, and 15 percent by tear gas.

IHCHR also documented cases when injured protesters awaiting treatment were detained by security forces.

The Commission also claimed that its investigative and observatory groups were prevented from moving around to document violations during periods of imposed curfew, and were not given figures by security forces and authorities.

It had last posted on social media on October 2, apparently affected by the internet blackout imposed by Iraq’s government.

Iraq’s military has admitted to use of excessive force against protesters by some officers, vowing to hold them accountable.

Iraq’s President denied that orders for violence against protesters came from Iraq’s government, calling for a judicial investigation into the matter.

Iraq’s highest judicial authority, the Supreme Judicial Council, has said that it will launch investigations into those responsible for killing protesters.

The Commission also condemned violence on the part of “some protesters,” who it said threw rocks and Molotov grenades at security forces.

“We call on all sides to show the highest degree of restraint and preserve peaceful protests and their legitimate demands,” it added.

IHCHR continues to receive complaints, it said, which are currently being examined and will be referred to the national Human Rights Court.

Updated at 2:13 pm