Iraq: second wave of protests set to reignite in Baghdad

Thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad on Sunday to relaunch a protest movement that ousted the previous government, with protesters brushing off fears of reprisals.

The renewal of protests marks the first anniversary of mass demonstrations staged a day after at least 50 protesters were killed or injured by security forces while trying to enter Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, where the Parliament and ministry buildings are.

The unrest started on October 1 last year when thousands of mostly young Iraqis took to the streets to vent their anger at the government’s inability to deliver basic services, employment opportunities and end foreign interference.

The protests quickly received a brutal response from state security forces, including the use of live ammunition. At least 600 people have been killed since then, while thousands have been injured.

In addition to their earlier demands, the protesters are now calling for those responsible for the violence to be put on trial.

“The feelings that pushed us to come out last year will be relived today,” Inas Jabbar, an activist and protester from Baghdad, told The National. “We will not stop until our demands are met.”

People from all over the country, especially from southern provinces such as Basra and Dhi Qar, headed towards Baghdad’s Tahrir Square late on Saturday to reignite the biggest movement since dictator Saddam Hussein was toppled in the US-led invasion in 2003.

Although the demonstrations have yet to deliver major reforms for the country’s youths, Ms Jabbar said the movement showed the public what it meant to be a nation and how it felt to be part of a society.

“We were able to understand the importance of having a voice and to demand a better future, especially against those who do not want us to live in peace and security,” she said.

The protests pushed Adel Abdul Mahdi to resign as prime minister in late November, but the protesters demanded an overhaul of the entire political system.

“There will be a united protest. This day will be remembered for the tightening of our demands for which thousands took the streets last year. None of our requests have been met until now – minimal changes have been made," Ms Abbas said.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al Kadhimi said the public must gather at 5 pm (Baghdad time) to pay respect to those killed during last year's demonstrations.

Mr Al Kadhimi took office in May following months of political deadlock after two previous candidates failed gather support among the country's political elites.

The Iraqi leader has presented himself a champion of the protesters' demands, appointing long-time activists among his close group of advisors. He promised that early elections, a key demand of the protesters, would be held next June.

Populist cleric, Muqtada Al Sadr, encouraged the use of violence against protesters gathering in the capital, calling them "infiltrators".

Mr Al Sadr, who has a huge number of followers, accused the protesters of being backed by "foreign forces" and urged the government to prevent "vandalism" by "using force".

But Ms Jabbar warned that some escalations were expected because several protesters will attempt to cross a bridge to enter the Green Zone, which also houses diplomatic missions.

Iraqis will relive “last year’s atrocities” and the event will go down in modern history, said Ahmed Ali, 22, a student, at Tahrir Square. “It will commemorate the blood that was lost,” he told The National.

“We have gathered pictures of all the martyrs that were killed. They are the reason why the protests have kicked off again and the reason why it has continued this long.”

The protesters, who are mostly under the age of 30 and represent a cross section of Iraqi society, faced intimidation for taking part in the movement.

"We have faced many threats but it has not stopped us from going out and ensuring that our voices are heard ... changes can and will be made," Mr Ali said.