In Basra, the second largest city in Iraq, tension has been rebounded in protest over the past week for reasons such as poor public services, unemployment, and water shortages.

In yesterday's protest, some protesters entered Iran's consulate and burned parts of the building.

Iran closes border gate with Iraq

The Iranian government condemned the incident in Basra. Foreign Ministry spokesman Behram Qasimi said, "We expect attackers to be arrested and sentenced immediately." Given that no diplomat or employee was hurt, the spokesman said the attack was already planned in order to undermine good relations between the two countries.

Iran closed the Salamcheh Border Gate with Iraq after the burial of its consulate by demonstrators in Basra.

The Iraqi parliament has announced an extraordinary meeting on Saturday, due to protests in Basra, a few hours before the events took place. In the session, lawmakers and ministers came together to address the crisis-triggering issues.

Amnesty's condemnation

Following several nights of protests in Basra, Iraq’s second largest city, and the use of excessive force by security forces including live ammunition, which resulted in the deaths of at least seven protesters, Razaw Salihy, Amnesty International’s Iraq Researcher, said:

"We welcome Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's stated commitment to conduct an investigation into the deaths and violence during the protests. Amnesty International urges the Iraqi authorities to ensure that such an investigation be conducted in an independent, impartial and effective manner."

"Security forces, for the second time since July, opened fire on protesters who were demanding improved public services, including water, electricity, better medical services and an end to corruption. The Iraqi authorities are obligated to respect the right to peaceful protests, and even if protesters are violent, only the minimum force necessary to address it can be used," said Razaw.

Travel to Basra

Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned those who will travel to Iraq's Basra province, advised to stay away from areas where protests take place for the security of the citizens of Turkiye.

Anger in Basra has grown over the lack of jobs, electricity and safe drinking water, with hundreds taken to hospital after drinking contaminated water. Local residents say the government is corrupt and has allowed infrastructure to virtually collapse in the region that generates much of Iraq's oil wealth.

ILKHA