Iraqi protesters attacked by an unidentified armed group

Abbas was among scores of protesters injured on the streets of Baghdad on Friday night when an unidentified armed group attacked their camps, killing 17.

The attackers used wooden planks, knives, and other weapons in the assault. Some protesters think the attackers were backed by Iraq’s establishment parties.

Abbas was stabbed in the head and leg. He didn’t go to a public hospital, fearing he may be kidnapped. Instead he received treatment at a health station in Tahrir Square run by protesters.

The protests over high unemployment, corruption, and the lack of basic services have been ongoing for two months. To date, more than 420 protesters have been killed and 16,000 wounded.

Reporting by Mustafa Goran

Translation by Sarkawt Mohammed