IHCHR calls on all parties to show restraint amid demonstrations

The Iraqi High Commission for Human Rights (IHCHR) has called on demonstrators and security forces to exercise restraint and maintain peaceful demonstrations in Baghdad and other governates across the country.

IHCHR teams have continued to monitored the demonstrations over the past two days, the Commission said in a statement.

The Commission said it deeply regretted the developments accompanying the recent demonstrations, which has led to deaths and injuries among both demonstrators and security forces, "and which constitutes a flagrant violation of human rights".

The IHCHR said it had documented the deaths of 12 demonstrators (nine people in Baghdad and three people in Thi-Qar governorate) and the injury of 230 protesters and security forces (118 people in Baghdad, 78 people in Thi-Qar and 34 people in Basra).

In addition, the Commission had documented the arrest of 89 demonstrators in Baghdad and Basra.

"The Commission calls on all parties to stop any form of violence, to exercise restraint, to maintain peaceful demonstrations, to avoid any clashes that lead to casualties, to cooperate in order to protect lives and public and private properties, and to stop violations that restrict freedom of opinion, expression, and peaceful demonstration," the statement said.