At least two demonstrators have lost their lives in recent protests in the center of the Iraqi capital Baghdad. In addition, more than 90 people were injured, including security forces. This was announced by the State Human Rights Commission. The two protesters were killed by tear gas grenades.
The anti-government demonstrations are directed against corruption and mismanagement. Thousands of Iraqis had gathered in the capital since Thursday night, demanding the overthrow of the government.
The security forces used tear gas and rubber bullets. According to eyewitness reports, they wanted to prevent demonstrators from entering the specially protected Green Zone of Baghdad. There are many government institutions and embassies.
In Beirut, the mass protests continue
Already in October, more than 150 people were killed in mass protests in the country. In the meantime, protests have come to a standstill in the face of the crackdown by the security forces.
In Iraq, there is great frustration among the population, partly because of the poor infrastructure and high unemployment. Although the country is one of the largest oil producers in the world, it suffers from a lack of energy. Many areas are still destroyed after the fight against the terrorist militia "Islamic State" (IS).
The protests also continued in the Lebanese capital Beirut for the ninth day in a row. Many roads were closed, schools, banks and numerous shops remained closed. The demonstrators demand the resignation of the government and the dismissal of corrupt politicians. A speech by President Michel Aoun on Thursday could not calm the protests. The small Mediterranean country has been experiencing a severe economic crisis for months.
