AiBotBaghdad, Iraq – Thousands of Iraqis gathered in the central square of Baghdad yesterday, calling for the government to bring to justice the perpetrators of ISIS atrocities, which have left an indelible mark on the country’s psyche.
The mass protests were sparked by a recent surge in violence, particularly in the northern city of Mosul, where residents have reported a rise in extremist activities. Despite the Iraqi government’s claims of having defeated the ISIS terrorist group in 2017, the resurgence of ISIS-linked attacks has left many questioning the effectiveness of the government’s response.
“We demand justice for the victims of ISIS,” said Amal Mohammed, a protester from Mosul, who lost her brother to the group’s violence in 2014. “The government has promised us that they will restore security and accountability, but nothing has changed. We need to see action, not just empty promises.”
The protesters, many of whom wore black armbands and carried placards with the slogan “Lesh fi gher maneyik bi isis” (We want justice for the victims of ISIS), called for greater accountability from the government for its handling of the crisis. They also demanded the release of political prisoners who were allegedly detained without trial by the Iraqi government.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi has acknowledged the government’s failures in preventing the resurgence of ISIS activities and has promised to take action to address the issue. “We understand the concerns of our citizens, and we are working tirelessly to restore security and stability to the country,” he said in a statement.
However, many Iraqis remain skeptical about the government’s intentions, pointing to the lack of progress on several key issues, including the rehabilitation of former ISIS prisoners and the reconstruction of areas devastated by the group’s violence.
Human rights groups have also expressed concerns about the Iraqi government’s treatment of former ISIS prisoners, many of whom have been held without trial or access to legal representation. “The lack of transparency and accountability in the government’s handling of former ISIS prisoners is a major concern for us,” said Sarah Leah Whitson, the Middle East director at Human Rights Watch.
As the protests continue, the Iraqi government faces increasing pressure to take decisive action to address the crisis. With the country still reeling from the aftermath of the ISIS insurgency, which left thousands of civilians dead and millions displaced, Iraqis are demanding justice and accountability from their leaders.
The protests, which are expected to continue for several days, highlight the deep-seated concerns of Iraqis about the government’s ability to provide security and justice in the face of rising violence. As the situation unfolds, the international community is watching closely, with many urging the Iraqi government to take a more proactive role in addressing the crisis.
The Iraqi government has yet to issue a formal response to the protesters’ demands, but the protests are a stark reminder of the enduring legacy of the ISIS insurgency and the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in Iraq.