Iraqi violence sparks vow of reforms

BAGHDAD — Iraqi President Barham Salih condemned the violence that has killed more than 100 people in anti-government rallies over the past week, as he announced a series of measures aimed at meeting the demands of the thousands of demonstrators.

“The right to protest and freedom of expression are guaranteed by the constitution,” Salih said in a televised speech.

Thousands of Iraqis have taken to the streets since Oct. 1 in the oil-rich country to protest corruption, lack of job opportunities and poor services — in particular access to electricity and clean water.

More than 104 people, mainly demonstrators, have been killed and about 6,107 others injured in the protests.

An investigation will be held to find the causes of violence and find “mechanisms to deal with similar protests and take serious measures to prevent the use of excessive force,” the president said.

The Iraqi military said Monday that an “excessive force beyond the engagement rules” was used in the clashes and measures to hold officers who committed such mistakes accountable have begun via investigating councils.

But Salih did not directly point the finger at the military.

He instead blamed “criminals who fired live ammunition on protesters and security forces” adding that these are “enemies of the homeland.”

He also condemned attacks that took place targeting media, after Iraqi broadcaster NRT and Saudi-owned broadcaster Al Arabiya reported that their Baghdad offices were attacked by unknown gunmen on Saturday.