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Iraq
An anti-government protester waves the Iraqi flag during a demonstration in Najaf on March 14, 2021. Photo: Ali Najafi/AFP
ERBIL, Kurdistan Region — Small groups of protesters were again in the streets of several Iraqi cities on Monday, calling for the dismissal of local governments. Clashes between security forces and demonstrators broke out in several places, according to activists.
Demonstrators blocked main roads and bridges, including al-Zaytoon and al-Hadarat bridges in Nasiriyah city, Dhi Qar province, renewing their rejection of candidates for the position of governor. Abdul Ghani al-Asadi is filling the role temporarily, appointed by Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi following the resignation of Nathim al-Waeli who stepped down in the face of bloody protests calling for his dismissal.
In Najaf, central of Iraq, security forces fired tear gas canisters at demonstrators demanding the dismissal of Governor Louay al-Yasiri. Many activists and protesters were arrested on Thursday evening, according to activist Mahdi al-Mhanna.
Dozens of demonstrators and security forces were injured in Babil governorate in central Iraq after riot police tried to disperse protesters demanding the dismissal of the local government.
"The government has sent security reinforcements to Babil estimated in the hundreds and turned the city into a military barracks," activist Ahmed Amjad told Rudaw English. "Anti-riot forces used BB guns against the demonstrators," he added.
Protesters say security forces have recently been using BB guns instead of live ammunition, which has been prohibited by the prime minister, but they are still causing serious injuries. "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, an activist from Najaf told Rudaw English on Sunday.
Thursday’s violence against protesters is despite direct orders from Kadhimi for security forces to use restraint. In a Wednesday meeting with this national security council, he directed security force commanders leaders to be present on the ground during demonstrations.
Several other Iraqi provinces, including Diwaniyah and Muthanna, have also witnessed recent demonstrations calling for dismissals of local governments.
The protest movement began in October 2019, calling for improved government services and end to government corruption.
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