Iraqi CP condemns crackdown on protesters and defends civil liberties

The statement followed security measures and reported incidents of violence against demonstrators in Baghdad and Babil province.

Party joins demonstrations marking the October uprising

On 25 October, the party participated in demonstrations marking the seventh anniversary of the October 2019 uprising (Tishreen). The protests, organised by various protest movements and political forces, demanded accountability for the killing of demonstrators, action against corruption, an end to the sectarian and ethnic power-sharing system, and the restriction of weapons to state institutions.

According to the party newspaper Tariq al-Shaab, large numbers of demonstrators gathered in Baghdad despite extensive security restrictions. Security forces reportedly restricted access to Tahrir Square, prevented the use of loudspeakers, removed journalists from the area and confined demonstrators to the limits of Al-Umma Park.

Activists promoting the demonstrations were detained in Baghdad before being released. In Dhi Qar province, activists were also summoned and questioned, while the governor reportedly authorised demonstrations in Nasiriyah for only two hours.

The newspaper reported that ICP local organisations distributed invitations to the demonstrations throughout Baghdad and discussed the demands of the October uprising with residents.

Speaking about the security measures, party secretary Raed Fahmi described them as unjustified and criticised the restrictions imposed on peaceful demonstrators.

ICP condemns repression and calls for an independent investigation

In its 28 October statement, the party's Political Bureau condemned the systematic campaign against peaceful protests and the pursuit of activists and people expressing their opinions.

The statement expressed particular concern over severe judicial sentences imposed on activists in Babil province. It also referred to reported attacks on peaceful demonstrators commemorating the October uprising in Tahrir Square and to the alleged storming of the premises of the Scientific Research Authority, where demonstrators had gathered and activists were reportedly threatened with arrest.

The party strongly condemned the use of force against protesters in Babil and called for an urgent and independent investigation into reports of injuries, beatings with batons and attempted vehicle assaults. It demanded that those responsible be held accountable, regardless of their position.

The Political Bureau argued that the authorities' approach was contradictory: they sometimes expressed willingness to respond to protesters' demands, only to return to repression and legal proceedings against activists.

The party called on democratic and civil forces, trade unions, professional associations and protest movements to unite in defence of freedom of expression and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.