Demonstrations across Iraq over health care

Peaceful demonstrations have taken place today in provinces across Iraq in opposition to poor public services, administrative corruption and the waste of public money. Demonstrations took place in Najaf, Babel, Karbala, Baghdad, Kirkuk and Basra. Witnesses told Arabs Today: “Iraqi forces broke up the demonstration near the Municipal Council in Abu Ghraib district (of Baghdad).” Witnesses alleged that the Iraq army “used sticks and fired shots into the air.” Civil society organisations had called for today’s demonstration to demand the resignation of President Nouri Al-Maliki and his government. They have also threatened to turn the demonstrations into long protests unless the government responds to their demands. The demonstrations were organised online. The demonstrations come as the deadline given to the Al-Maliki government to resign and apologise for suppressing demonstrations passed. Iraq has witnessed a number of demonstrations since February 25th, demanding reform, change and the elimination of corruption. The Iraqi Government had initially announced that it would implement reforms to meet the demands of the demonstrators, giving itself one hundred days to improve governmental institutions and public services. The one hundred days finished on June 7th, but civil society groups believe that little has changed, ensuring that the demonstrations have continued.