Reporting by PMOI/MEK
Iraq, February 17, 2020—Based on previously made arrangements and calls issued by the October Demonstration Committee, a large number of college students held rallies on Sunday, February 16, protesting government corruption, the candidates placed forward by the political elite that are seen as figures close to the Iranian regime, and the conspiracies constantly carried out by Iran-backed militia groups across the country. The demonstrators expressed their full support for the ongoing protests in central and southern Iraq.
College students holding a march and demonstration in Baghdad – February 16, 2020
College students holding a march and demonstration in Karbala – February 16, 2020
College students holding a march and demonstration in Maysan – February 16, 2020
Iran-backed militia groups have constantly attacked the protest squares of these demonstrators, burning down their tents in the process. Protesters in Baghdad’s iconic Tahrir Square also reported militia members attacking their tents.
#Iraq protests: Iran-backed militias open fire on youth in southern city#Iranhttps://t.co/Q1UhKWFbx0
— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 11, 2020
On Saturday night, clashes were reported between protesters and militia groups attacking their protest sites. Groups armed and funded by the Iranian regime in Iraq are reportedly using hunting rifles, tear gas and smoke grenades against the protesting youth.
In the city of Nasiriyah of southern Iraq protesters in Habubi Square expressed their full support for their colleagues in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square, continuing their demonstrations well into the night.
Iraqi protesters also issued a statement on February 15 rejecting the “National Salvation Council” as a plot prepared by the mullahs’ regime and issued to its political puppets in Iraq, including former Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki.
The October Demonstration Committee once against emphasized that the Iraqi people completely denounce such a council and its suspicious objectives. The Committee calls on all protesters in squares across the country to refrain from any cooperation with this council and not be deceived by their misleading slogans.
#Iraq: Massive demos against Sadr’s crimes, rejecting Iran-backed PM candidate#Iranhttps://t.co/Pfmmj6vlkS
— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) February 8, 2020
Reports from Baghdad’s Khalani Square showed clashes between protesters and Iran-backed militia groups leading government security forces. The militia members were seen shooting live ammunition and resorting to tear gas.
One protester was killed as a result of intense bleeding.
The Iraqi War Crimes Registration Center said on Friday at least 22 protesters were wounded as Iran-backed militia groups fired numerous rounds of tear gas. Three individuals in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square were attacked with knives and sticks. One protester was killed as a result of intense bleeding.
Another report indicates members of a militia group affiliated to Tehran killed a protester in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square using a gun equipped with a silencer.
