Iraq: death toll rises to nine and curfews imposed amid escalating nationwide protests

UN and Iraqi officials call for restraint as demonstrators rally against unemployment, corruption and failing public services

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After at least nine people died and hundreds more were wounded on the second day of violent anti-government protests that swept across Iraq, authorities late on Wednesday imposed curfews in several cities in the south of the country.

The protesters rallied to express anger at unemployment, corruption in the government and state institutions and failing public services.

State officials said a curfew was imposed in the city of Nasiriyah, southeast of the capital, where four protesters were killed on Wednesday, as well as in Amara and Hilla.

The rallies have presented a major challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, who convened an emergency session of the National Security Council in response.

Security forces fired live rounds into the air despite calls for restraint from the country's leadership.

They used tear gas to disperse protesters who were trying to reach Baghdad's central Tahrir Square, which was sealed off by authorities earlier in the day to try to prevent demonstrations.

"At least five people were treated by medics for shortness of breath after police used tear gas following a peaceful demonstration that began on Wednesday morning in Zaafaraniya area in the south-east of Baghdad,” the Iraqi News Agency said.

An Interior Ministry spokesman said one child was killed when a protester threw a bottle filled with petrol at a vehicle carrying civilian passengers in Zaafaraniya.

The clashes were some of the most violent in the Iraqi capital in more than a year, signalling that the country could face more political instability.

Police also used tear gas in Al Shaab, north of Baghdad, on Wednesday.

Security officials said five people were arrested in Al Shaab and three in Zaafaraniya. Protests were also reported in the eastern Iraqi province of Diyala.

The protests spread to several southern Iraqi provinces and cities including Najaf, Basra, Nasiriyah and Diwaniyah.

Those who took to the streets included hundreds of new university graduates who are unable to find jobs.

Demonstrations appeared to be spontaneous and without political leadership, arranged by people on social media.

An injured protester is carried after reacting to tear gas fired by security forces during a protest in Tahrir Square, in central Baghdad, Iraq, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed)
An injured protester is carried after tear gas was fired by security forces during a protest in Tahrir Square, in central Baghdad, Iraq, on Tuesday. AP

They demanded that the government be changed because of its failure to improve public services and create jobs.

The UN expressed “grave concern” over the violence on Tuesday.

UN special representative for Iraq, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, called for calm and urged the authorities to use restraint when handling protests.

“Every individual has the right to speak freely in keeping with the law,” Ms Hennis-Plasschaert said.

The US embassy in Baghdad expressed "deep regret for the use of violence against Iraqi demonstrators".

The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights also called for restraint and said freedom of expression should be protected.

Iraqi President Barham Salih said security forces must respect the law.

"Peaceful protest is a constitutional right for all citizens," Mr Salih tweeted. "Our sons in the security forces have the duty to protect citizens’ rights and to maintain public security.

"Iraq’s youth are looking towards reform and job opportunities. Our duty is to meet these legitimate aspirations."

He closed by saying "may the martyrs rest in peace and the wounded recover".

Former prime minister Haider Al Abadi condemned the use of excessive force against the demonstrators and urged the government to investigate.

Lack of good government has been central to Iraq’s problems.

Transparency International ranks Iraq 168th out of 180 countries on its Corruption Perception Index.