Three more Iraqis killed as violent protests continue
An Iraqi protester gestures the V-sign during a demonstration at Tayaran square in Baghdad on October 2, 2019. (AFP)
Baghdad (IraqiNews.com) – Three people were killed and at least 115 wounded on Wednesday in renewed nationwide clashes between demonstrators and Iraqi security forces, Saudi TV news channel Al Arabiya reported.
The protests, which started on Tuesday over unemployment, corruption, and poor public services, have escalated, with many chanting for the “fall of the regime,” a slogan first popularized during the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings.
“We are demanding a change, we want the downfall of the whole government,” said one protester in Baghdad who declined to identify himself for fear of reprisal.
Three more people were killed or died from their wounds on Wednesday, taking the toll to at least five after two people were killed and 200 wounded on Tuesday.
An Interior Ministry spokesman said one child was killed on Wednesday when a protester threw a bottle filled with gasoline at a vehicle carrying civilian passengers in Zafaraniya district of southeast Baghdad.
A protester was shot dead in the southern city of Nassiriya when police opened fire to disperse demonstrators, local health sources told Reuters.
Another protester died of their wounds, police and health sources said.
Police and the army opened fire and launched tear gas canisters to disperse hundreds of protesters all over Baghdad.