Deadly clashes erupt between Iraqi police, protesters calling for economic reform

At least one person has been killed and dozens of others injured in Iraq’s southern province of Dhi Qar, where Iraqi police forces clashed with protesters demanding economic reform.

The violence occurred in Nasiriyah, the provincial capital, on Sunday as hundreds of protesters filled the streets shouting slogans against the prevailing economic conditions in the Arab country.

Reports said that some of the demonstrators threw Molotov cocktails, and others set fire to tires during the rally, which turned violent when police forces intervened to disperse the raging crowds.

“One policeman was killed and 33 others were injured during the events that took place today, Sunday, in the city of Nasiriyah, Dhi Qar Governorate,” said a statement issued by the country’s security forces.

Protests erupted in Iraq in October 2019 over rising unemployment rate and a lack of basic services, calling for economic reforms and a meaningful fight against alleged corruption.

The rallies primarily rocked Baghdad and the southern areas of Iraq.

The protests finally led to the resignation of prime minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi, who was replaced by Mustafa al-Kadhimi following months of political deadlock.

However, protesters every so often stage rallies, saying this is not enough. Hundreds of people have so far lost their lives since the onset of the protests.