First anniversary of Iraqi anti-corruption protests that ousted former-PM Mahdi

BAGHDAD — October 1st marks the first anniversary of the outbreak of the political protests across much of Iraq.

Demonstrating against the widespread corruption in the Iraqi government and poor living conditions throughout the country, young Iraqis took to the streets on 1 October 2019 calling for the resignation of the Adel Abdul Mahdi government.

Young people from all ethnic and religious backgrounds took part in the protests. Many were killed after being targeted by security and paramilitary forces. According to Human Rights Watch, hundreds of protestors have been killed over the past year.

In February, a 15-year-old Syriac boy was shot and killed while participating in protests in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square.

Rimon Rayan Salem was killed by paramilitary forces fire live rounds alongside Iraqi security forces.

Salem was reportedly abducted by Iranian-backed militias and released by them the Monday before he was killed.