Iraqi Prime Minister Releases Anti-Government Protesters
The newly appointed prime minister of Iraq, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, carried out one of the first decisions of his administration this week. On Sunday, the country’s judiciary ordered a release of all anti-government protesters who did not partake in violence.
This came after dozens burned tires in renewed protests against the new leadership.
Protests began back in October, when thousands of citizens denounced government corruption and demanded officials to be held accountable.
Protesters threw stones and Molotov cocktails towards riot police, who responded with rocks and stun grenades. Authorities also used fire and tear gas to disperse the crowds.
According to human rights groups, at least 600 people died in the following three months of clashes. Protesters also took a hit when the coronavirus outbreak began, but dozens are still camped out in the capitol in hopes of continuing the movement.
“We are steadfast and will go on protesting, but we don’t want to have more bloodshed, we don’t want more martyrs,” stated one resident. “We hope that the youths protesting here will not commit mistakes that others will blame us for.”
The council released detainees based on an article of the country’s constitution, which guarantees the right to protest as long as citizens do not break the law.
Alkadhimi has stated his administration’s top priorities will be the coronavirus pandemic and holding those who took citizens’ lives accountable.
The head of the State of Law coalition, Nuri al-Maliki, commented, today, Monday, on his coalition’s decision not to vote for the government of designate Mustafa al-Kazimi, stressing that the coalition will deal positively with any positions and decisions that serve supreme interests.
Baghdad / news – The legal expert, Ahmed Al-Ziyadi, confirmed that the former Prime Minister, Adel Abdul-Mahdi, is facing charges of murder, ruin and waste of public money, and he must appear before domestic and international courts.
{Baghdad: Al Furat News} Parliament voted after midnight Wednesday on the government curriculum Mustafa Al-Kazemi, and 15 ministers were voted on, to give Al-Kazemi’s government an official capacity, and Al-Kazemi’s constitutional oath and government cabinet were performed.
[Baghdad-Ain] – Prime Minister-designate Mustafa al-Kazimi began presenting his government curriculum at the current parliament session.
Baghdad / … it started from the moments of the parliament session to give confidence to the government of Prime Minister-designate Mustafa Al-Kazemi.
{Baghdad: Al Furat News} Parliament Speaker Muhammad Al-Halbousi opened the regular session to give confidence to the government of Mustafa Al-Kazemi and vote on the ministerial platform and members of the ministry according to Article (76 / IV) of the Constitution of the Republic of Iraq.
{Baghdad: Al Furat News} The Presidency of the Parliament invited the parliamentarians to enter the hall to start a session of granting confidence to Mustafa Al-Kazemi’s government.