Thousands of working people rallied in central Baghdad today to protest against rampant government corruption and the shabby state of public services in their occupied country.
The protesters massed in the capital's al-Tahrir Square in Bab al-Sharji and chanted slogans demanding that the Iranian-backed government take action to get people into work, raise wages and rein in soaring food prices.
Many raised banners bearing the image of a broken heart, a reference to Valentine's Day, while others held up placards demanding that corrupt officials be held to account.
"Government, you should take lessons from Egypt and Tunisia," demonstrators warned, insisting that Iraq's "oil wealth should go to the people but goes to thieves instead."
Despite sitting on some of the world's largest oil reserves, most Iraqis endure electricity shortages that make summer almost unbearably hot and leave them shivering in winter.There are also water shortages and refuse is routinely left on the streets.
"The high salaries for the parliamentarians and top officials are not acceptable while most of us are living on two dollars a day," one young protester stormed.On Sunday police reported that a man had died after setting himself ablaze in Mosul to protest against unemployment.
The 31-year-old married father of four apparently committed suicide because he had not been able to find a job, they said.Tens of thousands of Iraqi citizens are expected to participate in a mass "Revolution of Iraqi Rage" demonstration scheduled for February 25 near the Green Zone.
By the Morning Star.
The protesters massed in the capital's al-Tahrir Square in Bab al-Sharji and chanted slogans demanding that the Iranian-backed government take action to get people into work, raise wages and rein in soaring food prices.
Many raised banners bearing the image of a broken heart, a reference to Valentine's Day, while others held up placards demanding that corrupt officials be held to account.
"Government, you should take lessons from Egypt and Tunisia," demonstrators warned, insisting that Iraq's "oil wealth should go to the people but goes to thieves instead."
Despite sitting on some of the world's largest oil reserves, most Iraqis endure electricity shortages that make summer almost unbearably hot and leave them shivering in winter.There are also water shortages and refuse is routinely left on the streets.
"The high salaries for the parliamentarians and top officials are not acceptable while most of us are living on two dollars a day," one young protester stormed.On Sunday police reported that a man had died after setting himself ablaze in Mosul to protest against unemployment.
The 31-year-old married father of four apparently committed suicide because he had not been able to find a job, they said.Tens of thousands of Iraqi citizens are expected to participate in a mass "Revolution of Iraqi Rage" demonstration scheduled for February 25 near the Green Zone.
By the Morning Star.
0 Comments