September 3, 2024
The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Iraq (AEFI), supported by the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR), expresses its deep concern and condemnation over the events that unfolded on Tuesday in Baghdad. Hundreds of medical and healthcare professionals were subjected to a wave of violence by security forces while exercising their constitutional right to peaceful protest. According to reports, the assaults resulted in more than 25 injuries, with incidents ranging from direct physical violence to scalding caused by water cannons used by riot control forces to disperse the demonstrators in the Karrada Maryam area.
These incidents occurred following large-scale protests organized by graduates of medical and healthcare professions on Tuesday morning, demanding the government provide employment opportunities that match their qualifications. This comes in the wake of an announcement by the Iraqi government, stating that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani had approved the hiring of nearly 60,000 graduates.
However, the excessive use of force as a means of addressing the protests raises serious concerns and poses a significant threat to human rights.
In a televised interview, Alaa Al-Maliki, the President of the Medical Professions Syndicate, revealed that some female protesters had their clothing torn due to the assaults carried out by security personnel, adding another layer of violation to the already alarming situation and increasing concerns over the manner in which the demonstrators were treated.
The Alliance for Freedom of Expression in Iraq (AEFI) strongly condemns this blatant violation of human rights, considering it a clear infringement on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly—rights that are enshrined in Article 38 of the Iraqi Constitution and are protected under international standards to which Iraq is obligated. The Coalition calls for an immediate and independent investigation into these incidents and demands that those responsible for these violations be held accountable. Failure to address this impunity will inevitably lead to further abuses.
)AEFI) urges Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani to launch an investigation into the assaults on the protesters. The primary focus must be on safeguarding the lives of citizens and ensuring their rights to free expression and peaceful protest are protected without fear of retaliation or repression.
About AEFI:
AEFI is an entity sponsored by the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights (IOHR), comprising non-governmental organizations, unions, activists, politicians, parliament members, and social movements. Its primary objective is to protect the freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Iraqi Constitution and prevent any attempts to undermine it.
