Iraqi protesters demand UN protection from violence of authorities
Iraqi protesters are seeking protection from the United Nations against the violence against them.
Iraqi protesters are seeking greater international attention to both their cause and attacks by security forces and armed groups, even at one point displaying a large United Nations flag at the Turkish restaurant at Tahrir Square; the restaurant was seized Feb. 1 by supporters of populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
Protests started in early October in a bid to bring about political change in the country. On Jan. 28, the logo of the international organization was raised, a day after demonstrators circulated posters in Tahrir Square calling for the UN to intervene to protect them from excessive violence.
Demonstrators accuse the government and Iran-backed armed factions close to it of resorting to violence, including firing live bullets and deadly tear gas canisters at protesters; these have killed and wounded a large number of those protesting.
Iraqi official authorities have denied issuing any orders to use violence or to fire live bullets on protesters. They blamed a “third party” they did not reveal and said they are officially investigating the matter.
