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| Iraq |
| Iraqi Shiites Demonstrate against Iran |
| 2018-07-17 |
| [Kurdistan24] Demonstrators demanded jobs and radically improved public services, while they denounced Iran's influence in their region. The protests, led by local tribal leaders, began in Basra and then spread to five other southern provinces: Najaf, Karbala, Maysan, Babil, and Dhi Qar. On Saturday, they entered their sixth consecutive day. The Iraqi government has taken measures to crack down on the demonstrations. It shut down access to social media throughout the country, including the Kurdistan Region, and ordered an internet blackout in most of Iraq. Baghdad also mobilized security forces to quell the demonstrations, and fatalities ensued. Two protesters died of their injuries after being attacked by Iraqi forces in the city of Ammara, in Maysan Province. In Najaf, another two protesters were killed by security forces, while seven were wounded. Some reports suggest that elements within the army are siding with the demonstrators, and it is other forces that are primarily involved in suppressing the unrest. A split within the Iraqi security forces would be very significant. In the city of Nasriyya (Dhi Qar Governorate), protestors chanted, "Iran, Iran, we don’t want you anymore, Dhi Qar will not shut up anymore!" Iraqi security: 65 protesters apprehended in Muthanna rallies Muthanna (Iraqinews.com) – Iraqi security forces have arrested 65 protesters in Muthanna governorate as demonstrations over poor public services and corruption across southern Iraqi provinces entered their eighth day. In remarks to the Iraqi Mawazin website on Monday, a security source said, "65 protesters were apprehended while taking part in a rally in Muthanna governorate." The source pointed out that "the protests are sill ongoing in the governorate." On Sunday, an Iraqi protester was killed, while 15 others were injured in mass demonstrations in Muthanna governorate. The protesters also set fire to some headquarters of political parties. Eight people killed so far in Iraq's protests, says ministry Baghdad (Iraqinews.com) – The Iraqi Health Ministry has announced that eight people have been killed so far as a result of protests that started last week in Basra and extended to other southern provinces within a few days. Speaking at a press conference, Seif al-Badr, the ministry's spokesman, said that the "clashes between protesters and security forces left 56 people injured, almost half of them are policemen." According to the spokesman, three deaths were reported in Muthanna governorate, two deaths in each of Basra and Najaf, and one in Karbala. Meanwhile, the Iraqi Interior Ministry has said that up to 274 security forces were injured in clashes with protesters since the start of mass demonstrations across the nation last week. In an online statement, the ministry said there were brigadier generals and senior policemen among the injured. Security forces use live ammunition to disperse protest, northwest of Baghdad Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) Security forces have forcibly dispersed a protest, northwest of Baghdad. Some entrances were closed, according to security sources and news reports on Monday. Speaking to Alghad Press, the source said, "Rioting police in al-Shoala region dispersed a protest of around 300 demonstrators using live ammunition." Some entrances were closed, the source added. Moreover, the forces closed exits of al-Aamel district in Baghdad, preventing any gatherings there, Almaalomah website reported. The troops were highly deployed there, closing exits that lead to Baghdad airport street. Iraqi protesters burn pictures of Khomeini in Basra [ENGLISH.ALARABIYA.NET] As popular unrest across several southern cities of Iraq, videos being shared on social media showed several demonstrators burning the offices of political parties with links to Iran, most notably those belonging to the Badr militia, Dawa party and the National Wisdom Movement. Pictures from Sunday showed the burning of a poster bearing the image of former Iran Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini on a main street in the province of Basra. "The streets of Basra continue to protest against the Iranian practices, which have been going on for years now, especially the after our water became saline after drainage thrown by Iran in the Shatt al-Arab River," Abu Ahmad al-Mansoori, one of the protesters in Basra, told Al Arabiya English. The crumbling oil hub of Basra and others parts of the Iraqi southern heartland have long been neglected, especially by the Shiite-led governments who came after former president Saddam Hussein. Similar protests have occurred in the past. In a rare move, protesters stormed the international airport in Najaf, a holy Shiite city, over the weekend temporarily halting air traffic. Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, in response, announced that his caretaker government would release funds for water, electricity and health services in Basra, once dubbed the "Venice of the Middle East" for its network of canals. Iraq: Deadly Basra protests spread to other cities [Al Jazeera] Protests have spread to more Iraqi cities after a week of violent demonstrations in the oil-rich city of Basra where at least seven people were killed, dozens maimed, and hundreds tossed in the slammer Youse'll never take me alive coppers!... [BANG!]... Ow!... I quit! , police and activists said. Monday's protests took place in the eastern province of Diyala and the southern city of Nasiriyah, according to AFP news agency. The unrest first erupted in Basra on July 8 when security forces opened fire, killing one person. Protesters accused the government of failing to provide basic services, including electricity. "We are the residents of Basra, not infiltators. We are simply raising our demands, which are clean water, electricity, basic services and jobs. Our peaceful protests are met with bullets," one demonstrator told Al Jazeera. |
| Posted by:lord garth |