© AP/Hadi MizbanAnti-government protesters take over a vehicle before they burn it during a demonstration in Baghdad.
At least 15 people were killed in Baghdad following
clashes between Iraqi security forces and anti-government protesters as police continue to exert violence in ongoing rallies in the city, the Shafaq news agency reported on Monday, citing health officials.
According to the health sources, as cited by Shafaq, renewed
clashes took place in the Sadr City suburb. Police used tear gas and bullets against the protesters.
On Sunday, the Waid news agency reported that clashes in Iraq's capital had renewed during the night, with the Iraqi Interior Ministry putting the
overall death toll at 104 since the protests broke out last week.
On Saturday, Mustafa Saadun, the head of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, announced that
about 450 people had been detained during the ongoing protests, with half of them being released.
Sunday marked the sixth straight day of anti-government demonstrations that began last Tuesday in protest against poor public services, high unemployment and rampant corruption. The protesters are calling on the government to be dismissed. In turn,
authorities have blocked internet access across Baghdad and several regions in central and southern Iraq.
Comment: From
RFE/RL, 7/10/2019: Iraqi president condemns violence, vows reforms
Iraqi President Barham Salih has condemned violence against protesters after more than 100 people were killed in less than a week during antigovernment demonstrations across the country.
The wave of protests -- the deadliest unrest since the Islamic State (IS) extremist group was declared defeated in Iraq in 2017 -- is seen as the first major challenge to Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi's government, nearly a year since he came to power.
In a televised speech on October 7, Salih also announced a series of measures to combat corruption and provide the better job opportunities and services demanded by protesters.
Iraqis have called for an end to a political system that has existed since 2003 when U.S.-led forces overthrew Saddam Hussein.
Afterward, a government-appointment system was installed that is based on sectarian or ethnic quotas, rather than on merit, Renad Mansour, a research fellow at Chatham House, told BBC.
"Aggrieved Iraqis say this has allowed Shia, Kurdish, Sunni and other leaders to abuse public funds, enrich themselves and their followers and effectively pillage the country of its wealth with very little benefit to most citizens," he said.
"The right to protest and freedom of expression are guaranteed by the Iraqi Constitution," Salih said. A committee of independent figures will be formed to open a dialogue with the protesters and come up with a "binding roadmap" to help the government fight corruption and provide better services.
Salih also proposed a government reshuffle and a review of the electoral law that meets the "national ambitions" of the people.
See also:
Rebellion in Iraq: Is someone trying to destabilize Iraq?
Comment: From RFE/RL, 7/10/2019: Iraqi president condemns violence, vows reforms See also:
Rebellion in Iraq: Is someone trying to destabilize Iraq?