Iraq protests intensify: 4 demonstrators killed, 100+ injured in fresh clashes with security forces in Baghdad (VIDEOS)
At least four protesters were killed and scores injured in clashes with security forces in the capital as demonstrations over government corruption and failure to provide better living conditions for Iraqis seriously escalated.
The number of dead and injured on Saturday was reported by medical and security officials who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity. Three of the dead were shot, and the fourth died after being struck on the head with a tear gas canister.
Earlier Saturday, security forces using live ammunition cleared demonstrators from three of the main bridges over the Tigris, pushing protesters further back from the Green Zone which has been a focal point of the unrest since it kicked off a month ago. Some demonstrators reportedly threw molotov cocktails during the clashes.
#IRAQ today: security forces fired stun grenades, tear gas, live ammunition (which erupted just after this video) in central Baghdad. They have pushed protesters back towards Tahrir Square >> pic.twitter.com/1OMwcVbfA4
— John Davison (@JohnDrtrs) November 9, 2019
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@AdilAbdAlMahdi #UN #Baghdad #save_the_lraqi_people #ثورة_العراق #نازل_اخذ_حقي
The government of Adel Abdul Mahdi and all parties or mafias are murderers pic.twitter.com/cq9y91G8vN
— Shatha (@Sshoshahus) November 9, 2019
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A number of #demonstrators get injured after being targeted by government forces with smoke bombs near Al-Senak Bridge in central #Baghdad#BaghdadPost #IraqProtests pic.twitter.com/znTcUUWStq
— The Baghdad Post (@BaghdadPostPlus) November 9, 2019
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Iraqi Prime Minister Abdul Mahdi issued a statement appealing to protesters to return to normal life, while admitting errors on the part of politicians and promising investigations into the deaths of demonstrators.
“Political forces and parties are important institutions in any democratic system, and have made great sacrifices, but they’ve also made many mistakes,” he said.
Iraq- today, live ammunition used against protesters in Baghdad pic.twitter.com/lGbpojMxD0
— Hamuda Hassan (@HamudaHassan) November 9, 2019
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Some 250 people are estimated to have died across the country as protests fed by public dissatisfaction and high unemployment grow.
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq launched a dedicated email address on Saturday for people to report alleged human rights abuses “particularly during the ongoing protests.”
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Iraq protests intensify: 4 demonstrators killed, 100+ injured in fresh clashes with security forces in Baghdad (VIDEOS)
Source: RT