Highlights: Iraq: the anger of families after the hundred deaths of the tragedy of Hamdaniya. In Iraq, the poor quality of flammable materials used in construction is regularly the cause of tragedies. During the visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister this Thursday in the city affected by the tragedy, the families made their anger resonate. It was heard even in the sermon of the priest who officiated a mass in tribute to the victims of the fire. The latter criticised the corruption and clientelism of Iraqi officials and denounced the general dilapidation of the country.

During the visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister this Thursday, September 28 in the city of Hamdaniya, where the dramatic fire took place during a wedding ceremony leaving a hundred dead, the families...

Iraq: the anger of families after the hundred deaths of the tragedy of Hamdaniya

During the visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister on Thursday, September 28 in the city of Hamdaniya, where the dramatic fire took place during a wedding ceremony leaving a hundred dead, the families of the victims expressed their anger. In Iraq, the poor quality of flammable materials used in construction is regularly the cause of tragedies.

A photo posted by the Iraqi prime minister's press office on its Facebook page on September 28, 2023, shows Prime Minister Mohamed Chia al-Sudani (center) meeting with the families of victims of the wedding hall fire at a Mosul hospital. AFP--

By: RFI Follow

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With our correspondent in Baghdad, Marie-Charlotte Roupie

Two days after the tragic fire that caused the death of a hundred people and injured 26 on Tuesday, September 150, during the festivities of a wedding in Hamdaniya, in the province of Nineveh, the families of the victims demand accountability. During the visit of the Iraqi Prime Minister this Thursday in the city affected by the tragedy, the families made their anger resonate. It was heard even in the sermon of the priest who officiated a mass in tribute to the victims of the fire.

The latter criticised the corruption and clientelism of Iraqi officials and denounced the general dilapidation of the country. In front of a mourning assembly, he carried the message of the families: "Those who allowed this tragedy to happen must be held accountable."

Grieving families attend a mass for victims of the wedding hall fire at a church in Qaraqosh, also known as Hamdaniya, on September 28, 2023. AFP - ZAID AL-OBEIDI

Since Wednesday, the funerals of dozens of victims have continued in Hamdaniya. Prime Minister Mohammed Chia al-Sudani, who offered his condolences and met some of the wounded still in hospital, also denounced multiple negligence. Especially in the construction of the building which was not up to standards and in the controls of the establishment by the authorities. He called for "maximum sanctions for those responsible" and insisted on strengthening control measures.

The use of poor quality and flammable materials is regularly the cause of fires and domestic accidents in Iraq.

At the site of a fatal fire during a wedding celebration, in Hamdaniya district, in Iraq's Nineveh province, Iraq, September 27, 2023. REUTERS - KHALID AL-MOUSILY

Iraq: the anger of families after the hundred deaths of the tragedy of Hamdaniya

Iraq: the anger of families after the hundred deaths of the tragedy of Hamdaniya

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