Protesters Mark 3 Yr Anniversary Of Movement Marred By Sadrists

(AFP)

On October 1 activists returned to the streets of Baghdad and the south to mark the three-year anniversary of the protest movement. Not as many people as planned showed up while the Sadrists tried to take over the event in the capital. Things were peaceful in most of the country but in Basra and Baghdad there were day long clashes with the police.

 

Protesters met at two squares in Baghdad and then moved towards the Green Zone. The Sadrists joined in as well. There were also demonstrations in Najaf, Diwaniya, Basra Wasit, Dhi Qar, Muthanna and Maysan. A member of a protest group said not as many people as hoped for showed up because many were afraid of violence. That was due to the presence of the Sadrists who wanted to co-opt the protesters once again to push their demands upon the other political parties.

 

Violence did occur in two provinces Basra and Baghdad. In the former people tried to take over the local government building while in the latter there was an attempt to scale barriers the police had erected and get inside the Green Zone. The police responded with tear gas and other measures. This devolved into running battles late into the night as the security forces tried to disperse the crowds. It’s impossible to tell who was responsible for these actions whether it be the activists or Sadrists.

 

What is clear is that the demonstrations had no real impact. People were able to express their anger at the status quo but nothing was changed. Activists have largely stayed home over the last 11 months as the ruling parties attempted to form a government because they didn’t want to be associated with Moqtad al-Sadr who has turned to the street to show his power. That has failed as well as Sadr’s rivals have moved ahead with a new coalition and have seized the momentum.

 

SOURCES

 

Al Aalem, “Small numbers, limited influence .. Stakeholders analyze what happened to Tishreen,” 10/2/22

 

Bas News, “UNAMI Urges All Sides to Refrain from Violence as Protests Resumed in Iraq,” 10/1/22

 

Al Mirbad, “The end of the demonstrations in Nasiriya on the anniversary of October,” 10/1/22

- “Al-Mirbad correspondent in Al-Muthanna: The situation is safe in the governorate and there is no friction in today’s demonstration,” 10/1/22

- “Our correspondent: A partial and gradual withdrawal in the Maysan demonstration,” 10/1/22

- “Wasit Governorate Office Building closed by protesters,” 10/1/22

 

NINA, “Demonstrators are stationed in Al-Sadreen Square in the center of Najaf and ignite used tires,” 10/1/22

- “Mass Demonstration Launched in Diwaniyah on the Anniversary of October,” 10/1/22

- “Security Forces in Basra Disperse Protesters With Tear Gas,” 10/1/22

 

NRT, “Tishreen Uprising Supporters To Hold Protest In Baghdad Next Week,” 9/27/22

 

Reuters, “Iraqis gather in Baghdad to commemorate anniversary of 2019 anti-government protests,” 10/1/22