Clashes at the bridge leading to the green zone

Demonstrations in Iraq coincide with the anniversary of the 2019 protests

Part of the clashes that took place in Baghdad yesterday.

Reuters

Yesterday, Baghdad and a number of Iraqi provinces witnessed popular demonstrations to commemorate the third anniversary of the October 2019 protests, and the Iraqi authorities took strict security measures, and a large number of security and military forces were deployed in the streets, and a number of bridges were closed as part of a security plan to secure protection for the demonstrations.

The German news agency (dpa) reported that the security forces fired tear gas canisters to drive away groups of demonstrators from the security fortifications on the Al-Jumhuriya Bridge, which is closed with large cement blocks, which leads to the heavily guarded Green Zone in Baghdad, and eyewitnesses said that dozens of demonstrators approached in the morning Of the large cement walls behind which the security forces are holed up, which in turn fired gas to prevent the arrival of the demonstrators, and clashes took place between the two parties.

Eyewitnesses stated that large numbers of demonstrators began arriving at the demonstration site since the early hours of the morning, and had traveled long distances in order to participate in the commemoration of the third anniversary of the popular demonstrations, and the demonstrators raised Iraqi flags and pictures of a number of victims of the 2019 demonstrations.

And the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mustafa Al-Kazemi, gave strict orders to prevent the use of bullets and other illegal methods in dealing with the demonstrations.

Al-Kazemi affirmed the right of peaceful demonstrations, which the constitution guarantees to practice within the framework of the law, calling on the demonstrators to cooperate with the security forces in preserving and protecting state institutions and public and private property.

The Secretary-General of the Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Muhammad Hamid Kazem, said in a circular to the security forces: "It is strictly forbidden to use live bullets, bullets, rubber ordnance, smoke bombs, or any other measure during the demonstrations."

He pointed out that "the commanders and commanders who are proven to have used ammunition will be held accountable, provided that the security and military services inspect the military units charged with protecting the demonstration square, and confirm that they are not carrying any firearms."

And the Iraqi authorities decided not to implement the curfew measures in the country to allow citizens to participate in the commemoration of the popular demonstrations, and some streets in Baghdad witnessed jams and traffic jams against the background of the closure of a number of streets and bridges, while entry to the government green zone was limited to those who hold an entry card only. .

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