US embassy in Baghdad condemns “acts of violence” against Nasiriyah protesters

The United States on Saturday condemned acts of violence against peaceful protesters in the city of Nasiriyah, which killed at least five people and injured dozens on Friday.

The embassy said on its Facebook page that “there is no place for unjustified acts of violence in any democracy, adding that” the United States joins the international community in calling for accountability of those responsible.

He also called on the Iraqi government to “provide protection to protesters and others who participate in the legitimate exercise of freedom of expression.”

On Friday, bloody clashes broke out in Dhi Qar governorate between protesters and supporters of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who stormed Al-Haboubi Square, the bastion of the protests in Nasiriyah.

The clashes took place after tens of thousands of Sadr supporters gathered in Nasiriyah and Baghdad, in a show of force with the upcoming legislative elections scheduled for next June.

Sadr supporters, with photographs of the cleric, marched after Friday prayers to Al-Haboubi Square in the city center, where anti-government protesters have held a sit-in since 2019.

A Reuters witness said Sadr supporters fired bullets and threw gasoline bombs at protesters’ tents, prompting protesters to respond.

Al-Sadr’s popularity declined significantly after protests against the country’s ruling political class, which began in October 2019, and al-Sadr had contradictory positions towards them, with many protesters accusing him of colluding with forces loyal to him. Tehran to destroy the popular movement.

Following the escalation of tension in Nassiriya, the authorities imposed a curfew and proceeded to remove the city police chief and appoint a replacement.

On Saturday, protesters in Nasiriyah called on the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kazemi to resign after its “failure” to protect the protesters.