Anti-government protests resume in Iraq, security forces fire tear gas

At least two protestors were reportedly killed in anti-government protests that resumed in the capital city of Iraq on October 25. According to the officials, security forces fired tear gas to push back thousands of demonstrators from Baghdad's high-security Green Zone. These protests were the second phase of a week-long movement that began in early October which demanded an end to corruption, unemployment and an overhaul of the political system. The activists urged the nationals to go out on the streets again on Friday, which marks a year since Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi came to power. The rallies began with hundreds of people gathering in the capital's iconic Tahrir Square on Thursday evening.

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The authorities struggled to address protestors

The authorities struggled to address the protestors' grievances since the widespread unrest began on October 1, spreading to southern cities. Demonstrators blame corrupt officials and political elites for failing to improve their lives. Two demonstrators died with reports indicating they were hit in the head or face by tear gas canisters. There were no reports of live fire being used to disperse the crowd. The unrest has posed the biggest challenge to Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi since he took office just one year ago.

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Politicians planned to have stronger presence 

Despite promising reforms and a broad cabinet reshuffle, the party has so far struggled to address protesters’ demands. The politicians planned to have a stronger presence on Friday but their interference continued to rejected by the protestors.
Iraq has been seeing conflicts for decades that finally calmed in 2017 with a declared victory over the Islamic State group. The restrictions have been decreased around the Green Zone but were reimposed as the October demonstrations began in Tahrir. Authorities have also cut the internet connectivity.

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