Families of Sadr City ‘martyrs’ say protests will resume
Families and friends of the dozens of protesters from Baghdad’s Sadr City killed in the recent protests say they doubt reforms announced by the prime minister will significantly affect the current situation. They warn that protests will continue unless they see real change.
BAGHDAD — In eastern Baghdad’s narrow, unpaved streets, girls frocked in school clothing rush by and women swoop in and out of doors in all-covering black abayas, as mourning continues for the dozens killed here in the recent protests.
Over 100 people lost their lives, many reportedly shot in the head and chest, and several thousand were injured in the protests that began on Oct. 1.
The protests have lulled for the moment, in part due to the Arbaeen religious pilgrimage.
Poverty-stricken Sadr City was hit by some of the worst violence to affect almost exclusively young men and boys taking to the streets to demand jobs, the provision of government services and an end to corruption.
