Other Deaths Of Iraqi Activists Shot By Unknown Group

JAKARTA - An unknown armed group has again attacked anti-government activists in the city of Basra, southern Iraq. In the attack, a woman activist, Reham Yacoub, was killed. The other three were injured.

The attack took place on Wednesday, August 19. Launched by Reuters on Thursday, August 20, Reham was shot dead with a rifle fired by armed men on motorbikes. Reham himself has been known as an activist for the anti-government movement since 2018.

Reham's shooting incident is the third in recent weeks. Unknown armed groups have always targeted anti-government activists. Previously, activist Tahseen Osama was also shot dead.

For Tahseen's death, massive demonstrations took place on the streets of Basra City for three consecutive days. Protesters pelted the governor's house with stones up to Molotov cocktails. They also blocked the main road. Clashes occurred repeatedly, triggered by police attempts to disperse them.

For the violence and death of activists. Iraqi Prime Minister (PM) Mustafa al-Kadhimi fired Police Chief Basra. He also ordered an investigation into the violence against protesters.

Kadhimi has served as PM since April 2020. Since taking his place in power, Kadhimi has gone through a chaotic ten week period due to the ongoing protests in Iraq.

Various issues were behind the demonstration. Starting from activist violence, war, corruption, to economic challenges.