Despite new rules by the Baghdad Operations Command
limiting all demonstrations in the capital to three sports stadiums, activists
again turned out at Tahrir Square near the Green Zone on April 22, 2011. Protesters called for the release of their relatives from detention, complained about the lack of services, jobs, and corruption within the government, wanted investigations into missing persons, and the
withdrawal of U.S. troops. These have all become mainstays of demonstrations across Iraq. So far, it appears that the military’s attempt to limit the protests in Baghdad have failed, and they are not conducting mass arrests of those who continue to gather at Tahrir Square despite threats to do so.
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| Soldiers stand guard while Iraqis protest in Tahrir Square, Baghdad, April 22 (Associated Press) |
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| (Associated Press) |
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| Angry family members holding pictures of their arrested and missing relatives at Tahrir Square April 22 (Associated Press) |
SOURCES
Associated Press, "Families chant anti-government slogans," 4/22/11
- "Iraqi army soldiers stand guard," 4/22/11
Atwan, Kadhim, “Protesters gather in Tahrir Square in Baghdad,” AK News, 4/22/11
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