Protests in Iraq’s Najaf see second day of clashes

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Violent clashes between protesters and security forces resumed on Sunday in central Iraq’s city of Najaf for a second day in a row, activists confirmed to Rudaw English, calling for the local government’s resignation.

Protesters have for two days gathered near the Najaf governor building, demanding the resignation of the local government for its failure to provide basic services and corruption. Others blocked several of the city’s main streets in the province, burning tires. 

On both days clashes erupted between security forces and the demonstrators, leading to the injuring of dozens, as well as random arrests, activists say.

"The demonstrations will continue until the dismissal of Luay Al-Yasiri [the governor] and his deputies," Najaf activist Saif al-Mansouri told Rudaw English on Sunday, saying they have received no indication from the government that it appears to heed their calls.

"The repressive riot police are chasing protesters with batons and arresting dozens this evening," Ali al-Mudhafar, another local activist, told Rudaw English on Sunday.

The demonstrators say that security forces appear to have been given strict orders not to use live ammunition against demonstrators, instead using BB guns, which have nonetheless led to serious injuries among the demonstrators.

"There is a protester who lost his left eye today because of those bullets, in addition to two others who were seriously injured," Qutaiba al-Azeez told Rudaw English.

Several other Iraqi provinces, including Babil, Diwaniyah, Dhi Qar and Muthanna, are witnessing demonstrations calling for the dismissal of local governments.