On the sidelines of anti-government protests in Iraq, four demonstrators have been killed by extremely dangerous tear gas grenades. Security forces fired the grenades today in the capital Baghdad, the news agency AFP learned from medical circles. Human rights organizations criticize that with these grenades is usually aimed directly at people.
Since the beginning of the protests in early October, about 20 people have been killed by tear gas grenades, according to the UN. The grenades are said to be ten times stronger than the models used elsewhere in the world.
In Baghdad and several southern Iraqi cities, a protest movement against corruption and high unemployment had formed in the country at the beginning of October. Despite the escalation of violence and nocturnal curfews, demonstrations continue, and now the overthrow of the government is demanded. Since then, more than 330 people have been killed in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
The UN is currently putting pressure on the government in Baghdad to implement reforms. Among other things, it demands changes to the electoral law and the constitution. The protesters, however, this is not far enough.
