In similar scenes to the 2019 anti-government protests, demonstrations have once again surged in Iraq following the recent death of activists. Prominent activist Ihab Jawad al-Wazni was fatally assassinated outside of his home in early May. Al-Wazni’s death resulted in thousands taking to the streets to demonstrate against the abhorrent treatments activists and protestors face within the nation. Unified by the slogan “Who killed me?”, protestors are armed with photos of those who have been killed. Laith Hussein of the Baghdad Student Union, said: “We want to get rid of the parties in power, [we want] real freedom, true democracy and to make radical changes to this system.” 

What happened in 2019?

In September 2019, Iraqi Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi demoted the popular counter-terrorism chief, who was renowned for his stance against the Islamic State. Expressing their anger at the PM, thousands of Iraqis took to the streets in opposition to Mahdi’s decision. Corruption, unemployment and general government failings soon became the primary focus of the demonstrations, the people knew it was their time to be heard. Using Tahrir Square in Baghdad, marches, sit-ins, civil disobedience and demonstrations were all used as protesting tactics. Whilst the initial protests started as distaste for lacking public services, they quickly became an effort to overthrow the sitting government. 

In November, Mahdi resigned as prime minister, a celebrated win for many Iraqis. But most thought this wasn’t enough. A complete political overthrow was the target and thousands kept protesting no matter the danger they faced. 

What danger did the 2019 protestors face?

In one bid to reach the Green Zone, — an area populated by diplomatic and government buildings — demonstrators were violently blocked by security forces. Bullets were fired into the crowds, tear gas and hot water were also used. These methods of brutal defense by police and military forces caused international outrage and condemnation by the United Nations. As a result of the 2019 demonstrations, 17,000 thousand were injured and at least 400 were killed.

What’s happening now?

Since 2019, over 80 activists have been murdered, speculated as due to their roles in the anti-government movement. Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi took over from his predecessor in May 2020. As a hopeful substitute, many Iraqis expected this to be a turning point for the nation. Whilst al-Kadhimi was willing to address serious human rights violations, little has changed. The criminal justice system is littered with allegations of torture and abuse towards protestors. As the government refuses to bring the killers to justice, the protests continue. 

The anti-government activists were specifically targeted, but many are questioning who is responsible. Countless Iraqis believe the blame belongs to Iran-backed militia groups. As the government does little to stop this, it gives the perpetrators free reign to carry on. Al-Wazni was a vocal opponent of Iran’s influence on Iraq and paid his life for it. Others took it as a warning that their lives are in danger. 

Al-Wazni was a vocal opponent of Iran’s influence on Iraq and paid his life for it. Others took it as a warning. Mustafa Makki Karim, fled Baghdad, moving to Kurdistan, — a relatively autonomous region of Iraq — last year after receiving threats from pro-Iran groups. He told Arab News, “I left my life, my family, my friends, my future for my country and for the souls of the people we lost.” Other key leaders from the 2019 protest movement have been killed, including one dying as a result of a car bomb. 

As calls for some form of resolution come from various international outlets, many are calling for the UN to put pressure on the Iraqi and Iranian governments.