Anti-government protests in Iraq again

Hundreds of people gathered in the capital Baghdad on Saturday (01 October) to mark the third anniversary of the 2019 anti-government movement. At that time, the police fired lathicharge and tear gas to disperse the protesters. When the protesters also threw bricks in return, the entire area turned into a battleground in the clash between the two sides. At least 64 people including members of the security forces were injured.

According to media reports, during the protest gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Saturday, the streets were filled with slogans and slogans against the government, accusing them of corruption. They demanded to take quick steps to eliminate unemployment.

At one point, the police fired rubber bullets to disperse the protesters. In retaliation, the protesters pelted bricks at the security forces. The conflict began. The whole area turned into a battlefield due to the chase and counter-chase of both sides. Many people including members of the security forces were injured.

A local said, we talked about the demands of unemployed people sitting at home. We have no work, no job. And the blood of the martyrs of this country is going completely in vain. So here we are today.

Another said, no government cares about us. Everyone is busy with themselves. We want a solution for this very soon.

Earlier, additional members of the security forces were deployed at different corners of the city to stop the agitators. A checkpoint is set up. Security has also been beefed up outside government residences and foreign embassies.

In 2019, common people erupted in anger against job creation, tackling the economic crisis and corruption. More than 550 people lost their lives due to police violence during the continuous movement. In addition to Baghdad, violent protests spread to other cities in Iraq.