New Iraq PM Orders Release of Anti-government Protesters
Arab World
Asharq Al-Awsat
Iraq's judiciary ordered courts on Sunday to release anti-government protesters, carrying out one of the first decisions of the recently appointed Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi. The Supreme Judiciary Council said in a statement that it had ordered the release of protesters detained since those demonstrations erupted, in line with the new prime minister's call. The council released detainees based on Article 38 of the constitution which guarantees the right to protest, “provided that it is not accompanied by an act contrary to the law," the statement said. This came as dozens of demonstrators burned tires in renewed protests against the new leadership. Kadhimi also promoted a well-respected Iraqi general, who played a key role in the military campaign against ISIS, to lead counter-terrorism operations. In a press briefing Saturday night following his first Cabinet meeting as premier, al-Kadhimi said demonstrators should be protected and that all protesters should be released, except those involved in violence. Protests erupted in Baghdad and across the country's south on Oct. 1, when frustrated Iraqis took to the streets to decry rampant government corruption, unemployment and poor services, the Associated Press reported. Human rights groups say at least 600 people died in the following three months at the hands of Iraqi security forces who used live fire and tear gas to disperse the crowds. Meanwhile, AFP reported that shy anti-government rallies resumed in some Iraqi cities Sunday, clashing with security forces and ending months of relative calm. The protests first erupted in Baghdad demanding an end to corruption and unemployment and an overhaul of the ruling class.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/2276826/new-iraq-pm-orders-release-anti-government-protesters
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