Iraq: Over 40 killed in renewed protests against the authorities

Iraq's security forces and militia have reportedly used tear gas and canisters and opened fire on protestors on October 25th. The moves resulted in over 40 people being killed. The recent protests have erupted for the second time after earlier protests which were held in early October, killing 150 people. Though actors from Iraq's highest Shiite authority and the UN urged for restraint, the rallies resumed. The day prior to the protests was reported to be calm as protesters were seen exchanging flowers with security forces and the interior minister insisting police would protect protesters. However, protestors resumed on Friday, quickly stooping to violence that killed 42 people. It has been reported that they were attacked by the headquarters of armed factions or government bodies. 

Read: Anti-government Protests Resume In Iraq, Security Forces Fire Tear Gas

Casualties caused by armed forces

Amongst the casualties, 12 died in the southern city of Diwaniyah while setting fire to the headquarters of the powerful Badr organization, part of the Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force. The rest of the deaths reportedly occurred during the rally. They were killed due to gunshots or tear gas canisters in the capital and four southern provinces, according to the Iraqi Human Rights Commission. Many lost their lives while storming into the offices of Asaib Ahl al-Haq. Asaib Ahl al-Haq is another armed faction. Curfew was imposed in several southern provinces later on Friday. The Iraqi Parliament is scheduled to discuss the issue on October 26. The situation was criticized by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday who said the deaths were the result of "substantial" rights violations.

Read: Iraqi Police Fire Tear Gas As Protesters Hit Baghdad Streets

"We deeply regret the number, the large number of people that have been killed in these circumstances," Guterres said.

Read: US Troops Exiting Syria To Stay 'temporarily' In Iraq: Pentagon Chief

The motive of the protesters

The protests were called to mark a year since Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi came to power. Friday was also the deadline for Iraq's top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, for Abdel Mahdi to respond to demonstrators' demands. Sistani's representative in a sermon reportedly urged protesters and security forces to show restraint. The representative further warned of chaos if violence broke out again. Sistani's sermon reiterated the package of reforms put forward by Abdel Mahdi. The reform package includes an anti-corruption campaign, a job creation drive, and improved social welfare.

Read: US Troops To Withdraw From Syria To Iraq In Four Weeks: Iraq