[Baghdad 7 Reuters]-Iraq's anti-government demonstrations have been over a week since its outbreak, with a total of 110 deaths. Most of the participants are demonstrators, due to the overwhelming security forces. Democrats and security forces collided in Saddle City, Eastern Baghdad, where many poor people lived on the night of the 6th, and 15 people died. Late on the 7th, people started protesting against these authorities' violence.
Saddle City is home to one-third of Baghdad's population of 8 million, and many do not have electricity or water and do not have jobs. For this reason, it has been shown in the past examples that it becomes difficult to suppress the crush once it is in a state of disturbance.
Just looking at the 7th day, the situation has improved somewhat. The military was withdrawn and the patrol was taken over by the police. We can see that the authorities want to avoid a head-on collision with the supporters of Shiite clergyman Moktada Alsador who has organized anti-government activities in the past.
When Reuters interviewed one of the Saddle City residents, the streets were calm all day. Local militias visited the area to investigate the damage, and police were stationed nearby.
On the other hand, about the fact that the authorities forcibly suppress demonstrations and attack the media, President Saleh, who usually does not talk about detailed political issues, gives an unusual condemnation speech on TV and requests investigation of violence of security forces did.
Mr. Saleha further added that ministers and electoral reforms should be sought to deal with the dissatisfaction shown in the demonstration and compensation for those affected by violence should be made.
According to state-run television, government officials have also stated that they will take reasonable responsibility to members of security forces that have “behaved inappropriately” in crackdowns on the demonstrations.
