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BAGHDAD, Iraq — Two people were killed and at least 10 others wounded after security forces launched a crackdown on protesters who had travelled from across Iraq to Baghdad on Tuesday, calling for the government to take action against the killers of activists and protesters across the country.
Protesters travelled from several Iraqi provinces, with crowds flocking to various areas in the capital, including Nisoor Square, before meeting at Tahrir Square, the main hub for the protest movement.
Demonstrators chanted slogans denouncing the government, demanding the overthrow of the political system, which they described as corrupt, and demanding the killers of demonstrators and activists to be revealed.
“I’m here because I lost my son in 2016 after being detained by security forces for participating in protests. He was tortured to death. Now, I participate in every single protest for him,” protester Dawood Ismail told Rudaw English.
"I lost both of my brothers here in Tahrir in October 2019. I have no job, and no future. I have nothing to lose," said Ali Ibrahim.
Large-scale protests broke out across central and southern Iraq in October 2019, calling for basic services, and an end to unemployment and corruption.
There have been 81 attempted assassinations of activists since anti-government protests began in October 2019, according to Ali al-Bayati of Iraq’s human rights commission. At least 34 activists have been killed.
Tuesday’s demonstrations, which began around 10am, were peaceful until riot police began to use excessive violence against protesters around 6pm, firing tear gas canisters and live ammunition.
Large groups of riot police began pursuing the demonstrators from Tahrir Square to Nisoor Square, then al-Nakheel Mall on Palestine street, by shooting at them to disperse the crowds. Protesters' cars were also attacked and destroyed by members of the security forces.
Many demonstrators were also arrested, according to Rudaw reporters at the scene.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi said an investigation has been opened into the incident, saying "strict orders" were issued to protect protesters, including a ban on live ammunition. President Barham Salih has also called for accountability, saying "peaceful protest is a constitutional right."
The excessive violence has been condemned by Iraq’s Observatory for Human Rights.
“Iraqi forces use excessive violence against protesters. Violence appears to be the behavior of Iraqi governments,” it tweeted, accompanied by a video of security forces attacking protesters.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) has also spoken out about the demonstration, and the impunity which hangs over the deaths of activists and protesters.
“Only accountability will stop the pattern of deadly attacks targeting civic and political activists. While the perpetrators may think they have silenced voices, they have only amplified them,” it tweeted on Tuesday evening.
“Accountability is key for Iraq’s stability. The Iraqi people have a right to know.”
Updated at 11:41pm
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