Despite of the vehicle ban imposed by the government of Baghdad, still hundreds of Iraqi people went to Baghdad’s Liberation square last Friday to protest against their government and demand for the improvement of government services, better payment for people and end the corruption in Iraq.
It is the second straight Friday in a row where Iraqi’s rallied against their government and it is taking place in the different parts of the country. This protest is said to be inspired by the revolutions in Egypt and Tunisia.
One of the protesters, Bahjat Talib came all the way form Sadr City eastern of Baghdad p(–foul word(s) removed–)ed through eaight checkpoints just to get to the square. He was interviewed and said “Our country is lost and for the last eight years the government has failed to offer services for the people. Thousand of youths are without jobs.”
To secure the safety of the protesters, Iraqi government spread out security forces around the square to limit the number of demonstrators who came out.
Government imposed the vehicle ban last Thursday to stop people in going to the square and join the protest. Security vehicles and helicopters were also put on the side of the streets leading to the square. This action of the government forced the protesters to walk for miles.
At least 14 peopled were killed when the security forces around the square clashed last Friday with the protesters. This tragic event was considered the most widespread and violent demonstration the country has seen since the demonstrations began.
Before this protest has started, government of Iraq already warned their people not to join in any kind of demonstration by sounding the drumbeats of warning.
Showing their lack of trust in the government, demonstrators took protective measures against the security forces, they even formed a committee to check the people entering to the square because they afraid that security forces might plant a people in the crowd to create problems.
About 1,000 people gathered on Basra provincial council building to demand the stepping down of their council and the improvement of essential services such as water and electricity. Last week demonstrator succeeded in making their governor resign from its position.