Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Tahrir Square in central Baghdad on Sunday to mark the seventh anniversary of Iraq’s October protests, as public demands intensified amid a heightened security presence around the square and nearby areas.
Protesters carried Iraqi flags and chanted political slogans, including “The people want the fall of the regime” and “Iran out, out — October will remain free,” while attendance continued to grow.
Demonstrator Jassim Hamid said the anniversary offered an opportunity to renew commitments to those who lost their lives during the protests and reaffirm the determination to continue demonstrations for a free and sovereign Iraq, free from foreign interference.
Meanwhile, protester Khalid Ali Hassan described the October protests as a pivotal moment in Iraqis’ struggle for their rights. He said the movement emerged in opposition to corruption and political power-sharing, while demanding better public services and more employment opportunities.
Security forces tightened measures around the demonstration, with riot police limiting the gathering to the vicinity of Umm al-Ma’arik Park behind the Tahrir Monument. A heavy security deployment was also reported in the Bab al-Sharqi district to regulate traffic and maintain order.
