One killed, 200 wounded in Iraq’s anti-government protests
A demonstrator shows the victory signs during a protest against government corruption amid dissatisfaction at lack of jobs and services in Baghdad, Iraq October 1, 2019. REUTERS/Khalid al-Mousily
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – An Iraqi person was killed and 200 others were wounded Tuesday in clashes between protesters and security forces in different Iraqi cities, the Ministry of Health said.
The clashes with demonstrators also left 40 security men wounded, the ministry said in a press statement.
Meanwhile, a government security body blamed rioters for the fall of victims, saying that some of them sough to stir up violence among peaceful protesters.
The Security Media Cell, in its statement, called on the demonstrators to exercise restraint and respect the right to demonstrate, which is guaranteed by the constitution.
Several Iraqi provinces have seen mass protests in response to online campaigns to express anger about the deteriorating situation in the country, topped by the lack of services, rampant corruption and high unemployment rates.
Some protesters chanted slogans in favor of Lt. Gen. Abdul Wahab al-Saadi, who was fired from his post as commander of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Services (ICTS) last week.
The decision to dismiss al-Saadi and transfer him to work under the command of the Defense Ministry made a stir among observers, given that Saidi was a starring name in the three-year battles and subsequent victory against Islamic State militants in late 2017.