Iraq loses its membership in the Human Rights Council for repressing protesters and October 25th ultimatum

[umbertino]

12 hours ago, dinarham said:

Looks to me like some of ther riots we've had here in the US ,and our country is still here . Wow , total blackout of media ,which was supposed to happen prior to the rv . Just sayin'....

 

But you do not want to compare the US situation to Iraq, right?

 

When you state "some of ther riots we've had here in the US ,and our country is still here"....

 

Quite clearly........ It's ( and I'm happy for the US) a 10,000 lightyears away kinda situation.....

[yota691]

Human rights: the number of victims of demonstrations in the capital Baghdad to 31 dead and 1188 injured

Political | 12:40 - 04/10/2019

 

 

 

 

 

BAGHDAD - Mawazine News 

The number of victims of demonstrations across Iraq has risen to 31, and injured to 1,188.
A source from the Office of Human Rights in Iraq: "The number of deaths to 31 and injuries to 1188, among civilians and security men, across Iraq."
He said earlier that the total number of detainees 257 people. Another 209 were released.
The reporter / Mawazine News / renewed demonstrations in small numbers despite the curfew in some areas in central Baghdad.

is over

[yota691]

Expected speech of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on the events of the demonstrations

Political | 12:45 - 04/10/2019

 

 

 

 

Expected speech of Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi on the events of the demonstrations

[yota691]

Sistani calls on the Iraqi government to take clear and practical steps towards reform

Political | 01:47 - 04/10/2019

 

 

 

 

 

BAGHDAD - Mawazine News 

BAGHDAD (Reuters) - Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani warned on Friday of serious repercussions of violence and counter-violence, referring to clashes in some areas between demonstrators and security forces that fired live bullets and tear gas.

He condemned the attacks on peaceful demonstrators and security forces, and warned of serious repercussions in the event of violence against protesters.

The Iraqi police sources, in addition to medical sources, reported on Friday, the death toll of demonstrations in Iraq to 44 and hundreds of wounded, according to Reuters news agency reported. The sources added that the highest number of deaths occurred in the southern city of Nasiriyah, where 18 died, while 16 were killed in the capital Baghdad.

Sistani stressed in a statement Friday sermon on the need to fight corruption, saying, "The judiciary did not do its duty to fight corruption." He called for the Iraqi government to take clear and practical steps towards reform.

He also called on the Iraqi government to provide employment opportunities for citizens.

[yota691]

UN: No quick reforms or miracles can be expected to address Iraq's challenges

Political | 01:56 - 04/10/2019

 

 

 

 

 

Follow-up Mawazine News

The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, Ms. Jenin Hennes-Blachart, welcomed Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi's speech last night in which he stressed the need for unity, dialogue and action
. They cannot overcome them. Their resolve and the spirit of unity prevailed in the fight against IS, the brutal enemy that threatened the very existence of the country. If Iraqis want to rebuild a prosperous, inclusive and resilient state - a sovereign that is strong enough to resist entities that are desperately trying to disrupt, delay or undermine Iraq's stability - this same unity must continue. There is an opportunity to move forward, and the interests of the country must be prioritized above all else, and the people of Iraq and troops must unite to defend hard-won victories. Dialogue should also pave the way for understanding, reconciliation and progress. ”
The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq added: “Long-standing demands are legitimate, and immediate tangible results are of great importance for reviving the confidence of citizens. At the same time, one cannot expect quick reforms or miracles in dealing with the legacy of the past and meeting the many challenges of the present. Moreover, the Government cannot do this alone because it is a shared responsibility. 
“The enormous challenges facing Iraq have not arisen overnight, nor are they the product of Iraqi actions,” Haines-Blaskhart said. The bitter truth is that it takes time to achieve results. Iraqis must move forward with the unification and with the involvement of the United Nations on their side. ”

 

[yota691]

Abdul Mahdi in a speech after the escalation of protests: Iraq before the options of state and state

Political | 02:03 - 04/10/2019

 

 

 

 

 

BAGHDAD - Mawazine News

 Abdul Mahdi addressed a truce speech to Iraqis today after the escalation of protests in the country during the last hours in an unprecedented warning that this is starting to increase the pace of losses.
He pointed to the danger of politicizing the demonstrations, kidnapping and taking them away from their goals. He said Iraq is between two options now, namely the state and the state. He stressed that all detainees will be released and the victims will be considered martyrs in advance.

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said in a televised address to Iraqis early Friday morning that Iraq was "now in a delicate situation that we are trying to avoid, from breaching security to the destruction of the state. "We have two choices: state or non-state."
He stressed his standing with the people, reviewing what he called the achievements of his government within a year of its formation .. He called on Iraqis to "not pay attention to the advocates of despair who are trying to deceive you and seek to militarize society again." 
He pointed out that his government has embarked on wide political, economic and service reforms, providing job opportunities and fighting corruption. He stressed the need to restore life to normal in all provinces and respect the rule of law.
"The security measures we are taking, including curfews, are compulsory for them, such as bitter medicine. Security is our first responsibility to preserve the lives, property and interests of citizens," he said.
He also warned against those who said he was trying to politicize the demonstrations, kidnap them and get them out of their legitimate targets.

"The escalation of the demonstration is starting to increase the pace of loss of life, but we have made firm plans not to use excessive force," Mahdi said. He said it was decided to release all the arrested demonstrators and consider the victims, including them, and security men as martyrs with their rights.
He called on the House of Representatives to allow a ministerial change away from political quota. "Your voice is heard before your protests and your demands to fight corruption, job opportunities and care for young people are true demands," he told the protesters. "Our goal is also to help the government achieve your aspirations. We will cooperate with you in implementing your demands."
But he pointed to the lack of magic solutions to all the problems of the country within one year "because the legacy is old and heavy" .. He stressed, "I bear the leadership of the country at this sensitive stage."
Abdul Mahdi promised to work on reforming the country's political system and stressed the demonstrators should not allow the language of escalation to rise in a sensitive and insecure atmosphere.
Ended 

[DoD]

Yep, they have been needing this type of demonstrations for many years now. al Sadr needs to keep the people in the streets an hold the GOI to a deadline or increase the burning of the tires. 

You get enough demonstrators to close down the airports, close down roads into Iraq an close off the government buildings they will get the attention of not only the few good politicians but all the corrupt ones. 

It’s a shame Iran an Maliki will have their hit squads in the mix an killing innocent people but this could be the opportunity for the citizens to finally get what’s been promised for years...

[Butifldrm]

 

2019/10/04 12:57

• The number of readings 145
• Section: Iraq
•  

Reference: The government has to carry out its duties and the House of Representatives bears the greatest responsibility and the blocs to change their approach

Baghdad / Obelisk:  

 Net: the government has to play its duties to ease the suffering of the citizens  '
net: the government has to play its duties to alleviate the suffering of the citizens
net: the judiciary and regulators bear a major responsibility in the prosecution of corruption but did not duty
net: the judiciary Halojhzh control bears a major responsibility in the prosecution of corruption but did not not duty
net: reference calls the three authorities to take steps on the road to real reform
net: reference calls the three authorities to take steps on the road to real reform
net: attacks that occurred on peaceful demonstrators and troops For security rejected and condemned the
net: The government should move away in nepotism , government appointments file

The representative of the highest religious authority in the holy city of Karbala, Ahmed Al-Safi, that the government should fulfill its duties to alleviate the suffering of citizens and provide job opportunities for the unemployed in Iraq.

This came during a sermon Friday prayers from the threshold of purified Husseiniya in the holy city of Karbala.

The representative of the supreme religious authority said that the judiciary and supervisory bodies in Iraq have not done enough to fight the corrupt and if the situation continues so there is no hope of solving the problems, calling on the three authorities to take real steps to reform.

He added that the House of Representatives bears the greatest responsibility for what is happening and the blocs to change their approach and respond to reform, and that the government to stay away from favoritism in the file of government appointments, and the government to fulfill its duties to alleviate the suffering of citizens.

Al-Safi said the attacks on peaceful demonstrators and security forces were rejected and condemned.

He continued: The reference has already proposed the formation of a committee of known names from outside the authority to determine steps to combat corruption, but has not been the proposal of the reference by the government.

He said that the Marjiya earlier called on the responsible authorities to change their approach and fight corruption.

Al-Safi called for forming a committee responsible for meeting the protesters' representatives and listening to their demands.

The Obelisk

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/179693/المرجعية-الحكومة-عليها-النهوض-بواجباتها-ومجلس-النواب-يتحمل-المسؤولية-الكبرى-وعلى-الكتل-تغيير-منهجها

 

 

[Butifldrm]

 

2019/10/04 01:59

• Number of readings 318
• Section: Iraq
•  

Abdul Mahdi: Today we are between the options of the state and the state

Baghdad / Obelisk:

Abdul Mahdi: Thieves and corrupt minority

 Abdul-Mahdi: Hasobona for our work, but the crises accumulated

Abdul Mahdi .. Projects to help the poor

Abdul Mahdi: Your demands for reform and the fight against corruption are our link

Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi said that the Iraqi government has submitted 1,000 government employees accused of corruption to the trial, adding: "There are no magic solutions and the government can not meet all the demands within one year."

In a speech addressed to the Iraqi people and broadcast on state television, Abdul-Mahdi said: `` I speak to you today in a sensitive circumstance going through the country, talk of disclosure and clarity and keenness to avoid slipping the country to disturb security to the destruction of the State, a large house that brings us and the responsibility to protect us all. ''

He added: "When we took over the responsibility of the executive authority, we rushed to destroy the walls that isolate us from you and raise the walls between us and approached our people with complete confidence, it is no longer difficult to reach the headquarters of the government, but is on your way from your homes to your headquarters and made us our office in central Baghdad, where all Iraqis from the four sides meet" .

He continued: "Do not allow the advocates of despair to overcome you and do not heed the calls to return back to the militarization of the state and society again are over these delusions and outdated and paid us as a people, the price of dearly of our blood, our wealth and our future."
He explained: "Today there are no barriers that prevent the people from communicating their voice, and we are not authoritarian and do not live in ivory towers, but we walk among you in the streets of Baghdad and the rest of Iraq simply and we are overwhelmed when we find people roaming freely and safely without sectarian barriers and security checkpoints have committed myself before the ministers "We want to serve sincerely and our daily work and our internal and external tours are serious and aim to achieve your aspirations in construction, reconstruction and prosperity."
Abdul Mahdi said that

"We first embarked on wide-ranging economic, political, service and social reforms and measures for various projects based on our agreements in order to provide jobs and fight poverty. With dignity and not to leave anyone behind or under the threat of poverty and contribute to social justice and address the great neglect suffered by the outskirts of cities. "
He pointed out that: "As usual, we will not promise you empty promises or offer you prosthetic solutions, this is what you paid for, we will not say what we do not believe that we can implement it.

Sporadic demonstrations since Tuesday evening in Baghdad and provinces across Iraq are calling for reform.

The Obelisk

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/179683/عبدالمهدي-نحن-اليوم-بين-خياري-الدولة-واللادولة

[Butifldrm]

 

2019/10/04 11:15

• The number of readings 8760
• Section: Iraq
•  

Demonstrations moment by moment: calm in Baghdad, streets free of demonstrators and a security deployment

Baghdad / Obelisk: 

Friday 4 October 2019

Calm in Baghdad, free of demonstrators and heavy security 

The demonstrators are trying to break into the bridge of the Republic to reach the Green Zone 

Tahrir Square is witnessing a new influx and security forces are returning fire 

Thursday 3 October 2019:

Source: The situation in Tarmiyah is good and there is no validity for the ISIS attack on the judiciary

Anti-terrorism force arrives in Diwaniya to maintain security  

 Human rights .. Dhi Qar recorded the death of 10 demonstrators and Baghdad recorded the injury of 440 demonstrators

Demonstrations moment by moment: Demonstrators break into the republic bridge and security tries to prevent them from entering the green

Heavy security deployment near the Babylon Council building in anticipation of any emergency

Security forces block main roads between Baghdad neighborhoods

Abdul Mahdi decides to curfew in Baghdad since 5 am

Baghdad operations commander wounded by demonstrators

Wednesday 2 October 2019:
_______________________

  Baghdad operations commander wounded by demonstrators

Imposing a curfew in Najaf

Security forces disperse Basra demonstration with tear gas 

Demonstrations in Al-Shatra, Al-Dawa and Al-Shuyoukh markets in Dhi Qar, and the burning of government buildings and party offices

Internet outages in Baghdad 

 Dhi Qar injuries (16 policemen) and (94 demonstrators) 

Demonstrators burn down the municipal council building in Souk Al-Shuyoukh district of Dhi Qar province

 SPEAKER SPEAKER: Close all green entrances after apprehension of embassies

  Architecture .. Demonstrations continue and random shooting

 Dhi Qar protesters burn the headquarters of Badr Organization in the province

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/179552/التظاهرات-لحظة-في-لحظة-هدوء-في-بغداد-وشوارع-خالية-من-المتظاهرين-وانتشار-امني

[Butifldrm]

Sadr calls "walkers" to suspend their membership in parliament

 

Muqtada al - Sadr 'spolicy

 2019/10/04 06:47:33

 

The leader of the Sadrist movement, Muqtada al-Sadr, called on the deputies of the bloc "Saeron" supported by the suspension of their membership, a day before a scheduled session of parliament to discuss the protests in Iraq since last Tuesday.
"Hurry to suspend your membership and without hesitation, this is my hope for you," Sadr said in a statement to "Siron".
He added, "not to attend the sessions of parliament until the issuance of a government program that satisfies the people and the reference in which he needs your votes."
He continued, "I advise the rest of the blocks to despair of this decision to please God and the people and reference."

https://www.shafaaq.com/ar/سیاسة/الصدر-يدعو-سائرون-لتعليق-عضويتهم-بالبرلمان/

 

[yota691]

Sadr calls on other deputies to suspend their membership in the House of Representatives

Localities

2019-10-04 | 07:58

 

 

 

252 Viewed

 

 

The leader of the Sadrist movement, Moqtada al-Sadr, called on deputies to suspend their membership in the House of Representatives.

Sadr said in a statement received by Alsumaria News, that other deputies must suspend their membership in the House of Representatives without delay.

"This will continue until a ministerial program satisfies the people and the religious authority," he said.

[yota691]

Sadr calls on others to suspend their membership in parliament until a government program is accepted by the people

Political | 02:55 - 04/10/2019

 

 

 

 

Sadr calls on others to suspend their membership in parliament until a government program is accepted by the people

[Butifldrm]

Leading Iranian cleric: US, Israel behind Iraq protests to disrupt Arbain visit

 

IranpolicyAyatollah Kashanidemonstrations in Iraq

 2019/10/04 06:08:40

 

A senior Iranian cleric has accused the United States and Israel of stoking tensions in Iraq to disrupt the 40th anniversary of the Shiite holy month of Hussein, a semi-official Tasnim news agency reported later this month.
The death toll from bloody protests across Iraq rose to 44 on Friday.
"The enemy is determined to (confront) the Islamic nation, America and Zionism," said Ayatollah Mohammad Imami Kashani in a sermon. "They target Arbaeen and Iraq and provoke a crisis because it is difficult for them to accept the presence of millions (Shiite visitors) in Karbala."

https://www.shafaaq.com/ar/سیاسة/رجل-دين-ايراني-بارز-امريكا-واسرائيل-وراء-احتجاجات-العراق-لعرقلة-زيارة-الاربعينية/

[Butifldrm]

 

2019/10/03 19:20

• The number of readings 157
• Section: Iraq
•  

Anti-Corruption Board: 1000 employees dismissed on charges of embezzlement and waste of public money

BAGHDAD / Obelisk: The Office of the Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, said that the Anti-Corruption Council reviewed the report of the Integrity Commission / Investigation Department regarding employees who were sentenced to court related to the waste of public money or deliberate damage to public money or embezzlement.

The office said that during its session, which was chaired by Adel Abdul Mahdi, the council directed the dismissal of 1000 employees of different grades from their positions and not to hand over any senior or middle leadership positions because of the damages to the state and its institutions.

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/179678/مجلس-مكافحة-الفساد-تنحية-1000-موظف-بتهم-تتعلق-بقضايا-اختلاس-وهدر-بالمال-العام

 

•  

[yota691]

Sistani makes a proposal to "overcome the ordeal": get it right before it is too late

 

 2019/10/04 05:47:48

 

The Office of the religious authority Ali al-Sistani called for the formation of a special committee to determine steps to combat corruption and reform.
The representative of the Marjaiya Ahmad Al-Safi read the statement of Sistani's office in the Friday sermon in Karbala, "The Marjaiya office has already proposed in its contact with the responsible authorities on August 7, 2015 in Ezz al-Hirak, the popular demands for reform." From outside the power of those who hold credibility and know high efficiency and complete integrity. "
"This committee is tasked with identifying steps to combat corruption and achieve the desired reform, provided that its members are allowed to be informed of the current situation and to meet with influential actors in the country, especially the representatives of demonstrations in the rest of the provinces to listen to their demands and views," he said.
"If the committee completes its work and determines the required legislative, executive or judicial steps, it will be activated through its legal field, even with the help of popular and reference support," he said.
"This proposal has not been adopted at the time, and the introduction of it at this time may be an appropriate entry point to overcome the current ordeal. In the use of violence and counter-violence in the ongoing protest movement. "

[Butifldrm]

Urgent .. The return of the Internet in Iraq is very weak and intermittent

Written by: saadin:October 04, 2019In: Iraq NewsNo comments

 Print  Email

Alnoor News / Baghdad

Urgent .. The return of Internet service in Iraq is weak and intermittent.

Share on social media!

http://alnoornews.net/archives/233615/عاجل-عودة-الانترنت-في-العراق-بشكل-ضعيف/

[Butifldrm]

 

2019/10/04 15:01

• The number of readings 33
• Section: Iraq
•  

Kaabi: Legislation of the law of disadvantage by allocating 5% of the salaries of the presidencies of the disadvantaged and needy

Baghdad / Obelisk: Kaabi: Legislation deprived law through the allocation of 5% of the salaries of the presidencies of the disadvantaged and the needy 

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/179699/الكعبي-تشريع-قانون-المحرومية-عبر-تخصيص-٥-من-رواتب-الرئاسات-للمحرومين-والمتعففين

 

 

[fancy]

30 minutes ago, Butifldrm said:

 

2019/10/03 19:20

• The number of readings 157
• Section: Iraq
•  

Anti-Corruption Board: 1000 employees dismissed on charges of embezzlement and waste of public money

BAGHDAD / Obelisk: The Office of the Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, said that the Anti-Corruption Council reviewed the report of the Integrity Commission / Investigation Department regarding employees who were sentenced to court related to the waste of public money or deliberate damage to public money or embezzlement.

The office said that during its session, which was chaired by Adel Abdul Mahdi, the council directed the dismissal of 1000 employees of different grades from their positions and not to hand over any senior or middle leadership positions because of the damages to the state and its institutions.

http://almasalah.com/ar/news/179678/مجلس-مكافحة-الفساد-تنحية-1000-موظف-بتهم-تتعلق-بقضايا-اختلاس-وهدر-بالمال-العام

 

•  

Thanks Buti, non stop always bringin' the news. 1000 employees...4 real? clean it.

[yota691]

Nechirvan Barzani: Breaching Iraq's security worsens the situation

 Kurdistan24 Erbil |

24 minutes ago

 

 

---

President of the Kurdistan Region Nechirvan Barzani

 

 

 

ARBIL (Kurdistan 24) - The President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, called on Friday for the need to maintain law, security and stability and take into account the higher interest of Iraq.

This came during a statement by Nechirvan Barzani regarding the bloody protests in the Iraqi capital Baghdad and other areas.

"We view with concern the events and violence that have prevailed in Baghdad and a number of other provinces in recent days," the statement said. .

"The accumulated problems of Iraq are not the result of the moment. They are the result of the wrong practices and policies of successive Iraqi governments over decades. No government can solve them overnight. The present and the future of the country are the duty and responsibility of all and require caution and wisdom from all. "

"Iraq is going through sensitive circumstances that require calm and political and security stability, tense atmosphere and breach of the security situation and out of control events, will worsen the situation and difficult, and will not solve the problems and will harm all the people of Iraq. For the homeland. "

The protests, in which hundreds were hurt by unemployment and poor services, began but have turned into calls to change the government and have become one of the biggest security challenges in years and marred by much violence.

The protests are the biggest expression of public anger so far against Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi's government since it took office a year ago.

Although 16 years have passed since the fall of the former regime, services in the oil-rich country remain poor amid job shortages and high corruption.

Soar Ahmed

[6ly410]

 

[6ly410]

Iraq’s top Shiite cleric calls for reform, end to violence

59 minutes ago  |  68 Views

Mohammed Rwanduzy

 

https://www.rudaw.net/english/middleeast/iraq/041020193

Ahmad Al-Safi, a representative of Iraq's Shiite spiritual leader, reads a statement by Grand Ayatollah Ali Sistani in the central shrine city of Karbala, October 4, 2019. Photo: Iraqiya TV / HO / AFP 

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region – Ali al-Sistani, Iraq’s top Shiite religious authority, used his Friday sermon to call for an end to the violent protests which have swept the country in recent days and urged Iraqi authorities to implement reforms. 

Protests against high unemployment, poverty, corruption, and a lack of basic services began in the capital Baghdad on Tuesday and quickly spread to other parts of the country. 

Although the protests have been mostly peaceful, security forces tried to quell the unrest with tear gas and live ammunition. 

According to the latest figures from Iraq’s Independent High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR), at least 37 people have been killed and 1,329 wounded since the protests began, including civilians and security personnel. 

Related: Iraq PM tells protesters ‘there are no magic solutions’ to grievances 

Sistani, also known as the Marja (spiritual leader), called the scenes of violence “regrettable and painful”.

In his highly anticipated comments, Sistani deflected much of the responsibility for reform away from the government, instead calling on parliament and the judiciary to clear the way for reforms and clamp down on corruption. 

“In the past days, unacceptable, condemnable assaults against peaceful protestors, security forces and public and private property have taken place in Baghdad and some provinces,” Sistani said in his sermon, read by his spokesman Sheikh Abdulmahdi al-Karbalai, on Friday. 

He repeated his call for “serious steps” for reform and against corruption.

“The Marja reiterates today that it has called for in the past and calls on the three authorities [president, prime minister, and speaker of parliament] to undertake clear practical steps towards the road of true reform.” 

The “biggest responsibility” for pressing ahead with such reforms falls on the shoulders of the Iraqi parliament, Sistani said, deflecting responsibility away from Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi, who has been in office for less than a year.

“If [parliament’s] big blocs, from which sprung the government, don’t change their program and respond to the needs and necessities of reform in a true form, then nothing of it will come out on the ground,” he said. 

The judiciary and the oversight authorities “also bear a big responsibility in fighting corruption, chasing the corrupt, and retrieving the funds of the people”.

“However, they haven’t done what is necessary in this regard in the past. If things remain the same, then there is no hope in limiting the spread of corruption in the country.”

“As for the government, it has to rekindle its duties and do what it can to lessen the plight of the people by improving public services, provide job opportunities for the unemployed, and to abstain from patronage in public employment,” he added.

Only by taking these steps will the Iraqi government prevent further violence, Sistani concluded. 

“We hope reason, logic, and the interest of the country take primacy with the decision-makers, those who are in a place to decide to resolve things before it is too late,” he said.

“We hope everyone realizes the dangerous repercussions of using violence, and counter-violence, in the ongoing protest movement. Let them [protesters] avoid that in all circumstances.”

Sistani’s comments indicate he still supports the government of Abdul-Mahdi and could be interpreted as throwing a lifeline to the embattled PM. 

Rudaw’s reporter in Baghdad says protesters are unlikely to be impressed by Sistani’s gentle criticism of the government.

[6ly410]

 

[6ly410]

 

[6ly410]

Iraqi PM promises reform as protest death tolls surge

 Kurdistan 24 |

An hour ago

 

https://www.kurdistan24.net/en/news/cc54d790-f548-4a49-9331-98d144c64771

---

A boy is seen near burning tires during a curfew, two days after the nationwide anti-government protests turned violent, in Baghdad, Iraq. (Photo: Reuters)

 

Iraq Baghdad IraqiProtests 

A+AA-

ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) – Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul Mahdi late Thursday promised a minimum income scheme as the day saw the highest number of deaths during nationwide protests.

Abdul Mahdi’s words came in a televised address days after demonstrations erupted in Baghdad on Tuesday and later spread to many major cities in southern and central Iraq.

Close to 46 individuals have been killed, Reuters reported on Friday, citing medical sources. Thursday saw the highest number of deaths after Wednesday reports estimated 19 people had been killed.

“The protesters have the right to demand an end to corruption, but it takes time for change to take place,” Abdul Mahdi said. He called for “the normalization of life in various provinces,” and “respect for the rule of law.”

The Prime Minister asserted there was no “magic solution” to the problems of governance and abuse of power in Iraq but vowed to try to pass a law that would give low-income families a basic income.

Abdul Mahdi also urged the national legislature to support a cabinet shuffle and called for calm as the unrest entered its fourth day.

“We demand the full commitment of the House of Representatives and political forces to give the Prime Minister the power to complete his cabinet and make ministerial adjustments away from political quotas.”

Speaking to Kurdistan 24, an analyst on Iraqi affairs, Joel Wing, who is also the author of the Musings on Iraq blog, expressed doubts that Baghdad could resolve the situation.

“At this point, it appears unlikely that the Iraqi government could offer something both substantive and that would stop or at least lessen the protests right now,” he said.

“The excessive use of force and the killing of over 30 people, according to AP, has incensed the crowds.” Protesters “went from asking for reforms to calling for the prime minister to resign in just the first day.”