At least two protesters killed in Baghdad as Iraq's demonstrations swell

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – At least two Iraqi protesters were killed and over 50 injured in Baghdad on Monday alone as demonstrations surged amid perceived procrastination by the political class in implementing protester demands.

Citing Tahrir Square activists, Rudaw’s reporter from Baghdad reported two protesters were killed and over fifty injured by the fire of live rounds and tear gas by Iraqi security forces in the Tayaran and Gaylani Squares, near the city’s Mohammed al-Qassim highway. Medics told AFP three protesters were killed and more than 50 injured in the Iraqi capital.

In the holy city of Karbala, sources told Rudaw that one protester was killed and 6 more injured as security forces broke up a protest in the city center’s al-Sanatir Street using live rounds of ammunition. Protesters later reassembled at the site to resume their demonstrations.

Reuters, citing medical and security sources, reported four protesters and two policemen were killed across Iraq on Monday.

“Disheartening reports that security forces once again meet protesters with violence in Baghdad. It is the right of every Iraqi to be allowed to protest peacefully. It is the duty of Iraqi security forces to protect that right,” Amnesty Iraq said on Monday.

Earlier in the day, 14 members of Iraq’s security forces were injured when protesters hurled rocks at them in Baghdad.

Monday’s violence was preceded by major escalation on Sunday, as angry protesters began to seal highways and main roads in a bid to pressure Iraq’s ruling class to respond to their demands.

Iraqi protesters have been on the streets since October 1, 2019, to demand an overhaul of the political and electoral system, as well as the end of rampant corruption and widespread unemployment.

Persistent Iraqi protesters have faced brutal repression in response, including the use of live rounds and military grade tear gas. As of December, more than 511 protesters and members of security forces have been killed and around 17,000 wounded since protests began, according to the Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights.

Protesters have been able to secure to partial victories, including the resignation of now caretaker Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi and the passing of a new electoral law in parliament - though the demonstrators have slammed the law’s shortcomings.

However, progress has stagnated as a successor to Abdul-Mahdi remains unchosen and major demands have yet to be met by Iraq’s politicians – catalyzing an escalation in protests on Sunday. Protesters are demanding through the escalation that a non-partisan, anti-corruption figure be tasked with forming the government.

The fresh escalation by protesters seems to have sped up the selection process of a new premier. Aboud al-Issawi, MP from the State of Law Coalition of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, told state media outlet al-Iraqiyah on Monday that three figures, all of whom have formerly held government posts, have been shortlisted.

They include Ali al-Shukri, former Minister of Planning from 2011 to 2014 and MP from 2014 to 2018, Mohammed Toufiq al-Alawi, Minister of Communication from 2006 to 2007, and again from the end of 2010-2012, when he resigned.

The third shortlisted is Mustafah al-Kadhimi, head of the Iraqi National Intelligence Service since 2016. He has worked to purge the influence of parties over the institution, and is seen as the least partisan among the candidates.

Hikmah Movement member Hassan al-Khalati told the state media outlet that “this week will witness the selection of a prime minister-designate”.

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