25 Feb 2020 | 10:23 PM UTC
Iraq: Security forces kill at least one protester in Baghdad clashes February 25 /update 119
Security forces kill at least one protester in Baghdad clashes on February 25; further protests and clashes possible over the coming days
Event
Iraqi security forces killed at least one protester and wounded 24 others in clashes in Baghdad on Tuesday, February 25. Some 23 members of security forces were also reportedly wounded, according to police sources. The clashes came as the opposition Committee for the Demonstration of the October Revolution called for nationwide demonstrations on Tuesday to denounce the designation of Mohammed Tawfiq Allawi as Prime Minister of Iraq.
Further demonstrations and clashes are possible in Baghdad over the coming days, as Shi'a cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has also called for renewed protests in the International Zone (Baghdad) if parliament fails to vote on Prime Minister Allawi's cabinet during the week commencing Sunday, February 23. A heightened security presence and disruptions to transportation and business are to be expected around demonstration sites.
Context
Demonstrations broke out in Iraq on October 1, 2019, to protest alleged government corruption, inadequate provision of public services, and a lack of job opportunities. Following weeks of relatively calm demonstrations, violence resumed on October 24-25, coinciding with the deadline issued by Grand Ayatollah Sistani to the government issuing them to produce a report on the members of the Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) that were responsible for firing at civilians during previous demonstrations. An estimated 670 people have been killed and some 24,488 people have been wounded since the protests began.
Advice
Individuals in Iraq are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings due to potential violence, prepare for disruptions to transportation and business in areas affected by anti-government demonstrations, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
