Iraq, February 1, 2020—The Iraqi people’s uprising continued on Friday, January 31, with clashes and protests escalating in the cities of Baghdad, Nasiriyah and other cities in the province of Dhi Qar, along with Kut, and even Kirkuk in the north.
Iraqi protesters in Baghdad’s iconic Tahrir Square were seen chanting “Iran, out, out!” demanding an end to corrupt groups linked to the Iranian regime in Iraq.
Activists in Baghdad’s Al Wathba and Al Khilani squares were reporting about oppressive government security forces and militias backed by the mullahs’ regime using live ammunition in their attacks against demonstrators.
The towns of Al Fohud and Shatreh in Dhi Qar Province became scenes of major demonstrations by Iraqi protesters demanding an end to government corruption and the Iranian regime’s meddling in their country.
In Nasiriyah, demonstrations continued, and protesters emphasized on escalating the uprising until the corrupt political parties ruling over Iraq are overthrown.
January 31 – Nasiriyah, southern #Iraq
Iraqi protesters launch demonstrations against government corruption and Iranian regime meddling in their country.#Iran pic.twitter.com/NKD9JEIN9j— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 31, 2020
In Kirkuk, a city in the north that has not witnessed such protests recently, participants in the demonstration expressed their solidarity with similar rallies in Baghdad and other provinces in central and southern Iraq.
In Kut, a city in Wasit Province of southern Iraq, demonstrators held a ceremony for a young protester killed by Iran-backed militia members who opened fire on demonstrators. The young man had died due to the severity of his gunshot wounds.
The Iranian regime has 48 hours to close down its embassy
In Najaf, southern Iraq, a senior religious figure warned the mullahs’ and gave the regime a 48-hour warning to close down its embassy and consulates across Iraq. Mr. Hassan Al Mousavi wrote on his Twitter account on Friday: “The Iranian regime has 48 hours to close down its embassy and consulates in Iraq. If this demand of ours is not met, we will adopt even stronger positions against this regime.”
Demonstration in Maysan Province and Baghdad’s Tahrir Square
Massive demonstration in Maysan Province – January 31, 2020
Demonstrators in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square refused to accept the candidacy of Mostafa Al Kadhemi as Iraq’s next prime minister
Sky News aired a report on the continued clashes in Baghdad’s Al Wathba Square: “Clashes erupted yet again on Friday between protesters and Iraqi security forces in Baghdad’s Al Wathba Square, leaving a number of people injured. Thousands of protesters poured into the streets for demonstrations that began in the capital’s Tahrir Square and were seen chanting against political parties [affiliated to the Iranian regime]. Furthermore, the demonstrators were seen holding flags of the United Nations and European Union in their request for international support against the crackdown imposed on peaceful demonstrations.
#Iraq
Scenes of clashes between Iraqi protesters and #Iran-backed militia units oppressing the demonstrators.pic.twitter.com/vlKZDp8JYI— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 29, 2020
“Protesters in Dhi Qar Province issued a strong warning to security forces regarding attempts made by armed individuals in their attacks against demonstrators in Hobubi Square in this province. Activists say a number of armed individuals wearing civilian clothing have stationed near the square with unlicensed vehicles. Protesters are saying they are placing cement blocks around the square as self-defense measures.
“Hundreds of people began pouring into demonstration sites following speeches delivered by senior religious figures. Many have also been traveling to Baghdad to join the demonstrations in the capital’s Tahrir Square. It is worth noting that the use of constant violence against peaceful demonstrations is rejected and continued efforts to disrupt their protests through the use of force are seriously condemned.” Senior religious figures in Iraq are calling for early parliamentary elections as the sole solution to the current crisis engulfing the country, Sky News added. These remarks resulted in an increase in the number of demonstrations in squares across cities throughout the country.
A delegation from Najaf in Baghdad’s iconic Tahrir Square
ollege students in Kirkuk, northern Iraq, expressing their support for the nationwide demonstrations
Kirkuk – Locals and college students holding a demonstration – January 31, 2020
Demonstration in Nasiriyah, southern Iraq
Demonstration in Nasiriyah
January 27 – Nasiriyah, southern #Iraq
Demonstrations continue against government corruption & the Iranian regime’s meddling.pic.twitter.com/cvBYii8Bfc— People’s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK) (@Mojahedineng) January 27, 2020
