Iraqis mark third anniversary of October 2019 protests
Hundreds of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Saturday to mark the third anniversary of the October 2019 Tishreen protests, which saw around 600 protesters killed as they demonstrated against the government for the end of corruption, better public services, greater employment opportunities, and a change of the existing political system. Three years on, many returned, adding to that their calls for accountability for those whose lives were cut short, and the end to impunity in the country.
All images: Alannah Travers, October 1, 2022
Splits in those present became evident throughout the day, as increasing numbers of Moqtada al-Sadr's supporters joined those on the streets, only days after Wednesday's demonstrations in the capital.
As occurred earlier that week, security was tight, with increased checkpoints, the erection of walls, and the closure of a number of squares and bridges - including Jumariyah bridge, directly opposite Tahrir, and al-Sinak bridge, both of which managed to defend the city's fortified Green Zone despite growing numbers of predominantly young men against their concrete barrier blocks throughout the course of the day.
Closer to the square's Freedom Monument, peaceful demonstrators including women and under 18-year-olds held images of those they referred to as martyrs. Men carrying placards of Sadr could be seen in the crowds, too.
After a few hours, many of those most vocally identifying as Tishreen protesters withdrew to Nisour Square in western Baghdad, gathering under trees with Iraqi flags and images of others who had their lives snatched from them three years ago.
Imtidad MP Alaa' al-Rikabi was booed and kicked out of joining the gathering and, privately, several young activists expressed their frustration with the political co-option by the Sadrist Movement.
Chants were heard against Sadr and politicians including the Speaker of Parliament Mohammed al-Halbousi, alongside louder calls for the end of Iranian influence in Iraq.
The atmosphere was calm and, by 6pm, most had departed, with activists promising to resume protests on October 25th.
Back in Tahrir Square, however, by late afternoon, the Iraqi Security Media Cell reported that 34 security officers and 27 demonstrators had received injuries; figures that increased steadily into the evening. Tear gas was fired by security forces to disperse protesters, and young men could be seen throwing rocks at officers, as violence grew, and shots were heard. As on Wednesday, a violent presence was maintained well into the evening.
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi had earlier instructed security forces with orders to avoid the use of lethal and rubber bullets, as well as smoke grenades against the demonstrators. An anti-riot order was issued to break the demonstrations up from 9pm, with scenes shared on social media showing the forceful dispersal of remaining protesters.
By 11pm, the square was empty aside for a security presence, and the Green Zone remained unbreached. By the end of the night, security sources put the total number of injured at 125, with an additional 250 who suffered suffocation during tear gassing. Young men gathered in cafes to avoid potential questions across the city's checkpoints.
