In the government-critical protests in Iraq about two weeks ago, a total of 157 people have lost their lives. The Iraqi security forces have violently cracked down on the protesters, according to the Reuters news agency, in a report released today by a government commission of inquiry.
The state television reported that among the total 157 dead are 149 civilians and eight security forces. According to the Commission, the evidence found evidence of the use of snipers aiming at demonstrators in the center of the Iraqi capital.
Senior security officials have lost control of their forces, the report said. The commission recommended dismissing the commander of the operation and other responsible persons.
