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Major protest movements are shaking Baghdad and several other Iraqi cities. This is the most important social protest since the new government was put in place almost a year ago. And the repression is violent.
Two protesters died Tuesday (October 1st) in Baghdad and Zi Qar province (300 km south), and there were more than 200 injuries reported by health officials. And again on October 2, bullets whistle through the streets of Baghdad. We hear summons fire. The police are trying at all costs to disperse the crowd. But the Iraqis are angry and the live fire does not stop them. Their movement, unheard of in Baghdad, and in other cities in the south of the country, was not born of the call of a political party or a religious leader.
The fruit of discontent
On the contrary, it is the fruit of discontent. The demonstrators denounce the inefficiency of the public services or the galloping unemployment. Iraq's oil wealth contrasts with the poverty of its population. Youth has no prospect of the future. Almost the only choice for young Iraqis: to join the army.
The riot police first used water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets. Then, in Baghdad, the sound of automatic weapons began to resonate. The use of force is excessive. But the Iraqi government justifies itself, accusing " saboteurs " of wanting to spread " violence ".
Call for restraint
At the top of the state, Iraqi President Barham Saleh calls for restraint. He also writes on Twitter. " Our young people want reforms and work, it is our duty to satisfy these legitimate demands ".