Iraq to investigate after deadly protests in Basra: presidency
ERBI, Kurdistan Region — Following weekend protests in Basra which killed at least one person and injured others, the Iraqi President Fuad Masum called for an investigation by relevant authorities.
Masum “directed the security and judicial authorities on Sunday to conduct urgent and fair investigation into the incident of the death of a citizen and the wounding of others..." read a statement from his office released late Sunday.
The president's term was extended at the end of June by parliament, as Iraq forms its new government.
“All sufficient legal procedures shall be taken to ensure the rights [of victims] and to take into account those responsible for the incident," he added
Basra citizens took to the streets on Saturday night, lighting fires on the streets to protest a lack of electricity and jobs.
Masum stressed that every Iraqi citizen has the right to protest and express their opinion as guaranteed by the constitution “but in a peaceful way, away from violence.”
Dissatisfaction with Iraq's power grid has spread from the southern port city of Basra to the Kurdistan Region's capital of Erbil.