Iraqis stage fresh protests in Basra after deaths

BAGHDAD

Fresh protests erupted in Iraq’s southern province of Basra on Wednesday, one day after six protesters were killed during demonstrations against poor public utilities and high unemployment.

“Hundreds of protesters gathered in Az-Zubayr city in southern Basra to denounce government’s economic policies,” Hani Abdul Hussein, a protester, told Anadolu Agency.

“Demonstrators are calling for halting the use of fire against protests demanding the provision of services and job opportunities,” he said.
Abdul Hussein warned that “people might eventually resort to defend themselves”.

On Tuesday, six demonstrators were killed and more than 20 others injured by security forces during protests in Basra.

Since July 9, Basra and other southern and central Shia-majority provinces have witnessed ongoing protests which have spread to capital, Baghdad.

Demonstrators demand improved public services like water and electricity, more job opportunities and an end to government corruption.

Roughly 80 percent of Iraq’s overall crude oil exports originate from oilfields in Basra province.

For years, residents have complained that foreign nationals, rather than locals, were being employed by the domestic energy sector.

They also complain of frequent power outages amid summer temperatures that often reach as high as 50 degrees Celsius (122 F).

Reporting by Aref Yusuf and Amer Hassani:Writing by Mahmoud Barakat