In the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah, security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters
Baghdad … News Time
5 persons were killed in police firing during protests against the government in Iraq. According to media reports, security forces opened fire on anti-government protesters in the southern Iraqi city of Nasiriyah. During the violent protests, 120 protesters and 57 security personnel were injured. A lockdown has been imposed in the area due to the corona virus, but protesters have taken to the streets. During the protest, citizens demanded the resignation of the governor of Dhi Qar state over the poor performance of the government. During the protest, angry people hurled stones at police and hurled petrol bombs. The protesters also tried to enter government buildings, but were fired upon by police. Protesters blocked the city’s main bridge, which security forces used force to open.
Meanwhile, the office of the human rights organization Amnesty International in Iraq has also confirmed the deaths of the protesters. The group said in a statement that Amnesty International had “confirmed” videos from Nasiriyah. Following the firing of personnel and protesters could see bodies in the streets. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has called on the Iraqi government to end the bloodshed and bring those responsible to justice. It should be noted that southern Iraq has become a hotbed of protests over the past few years. In many areas, the government’s performance is zero and the people are very worried. Electricity and water problems have made people’s lives miserable. Large-scale violent protests erupted in the area in 2019, forcing then-Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi to resign. More than 600 protesters were killed in months of protests. Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kazemi has promised justice for those killed, but no legal action has been taken.
