Dhi Qar Protests: Renewed Unrest Amid Crackdown on Tishreen Activists

The province of Dhi Qar has once again become the center of mass protests, with unrest sparked by a series of controversial arrests that have reignited tensions between local authorities and young activists.

The recent turmoil began after Major General Najah Al-Abadi, the newly appointed police chief of Dhi Qar, announced the arrest of over 500 individuals, many of whom were activists involved in the 2019 Tishreen protests. The arrests, based on old warrants, targeted several high-profile activists, including Karar Al-Azirjawi, a leading figure from the 2019 demonstrations.

Dhi Qar’s police chief accused some of the activists of extorting government departments to secure shares in provincial projects. This claim, however, was swiftly condemned by protest leaders, who argued that the arrests were politically motivated, designed to suppress dissent and silence those critical of local authorities. In response, a mass demonstration was called in Habboubi Square on October 13, a site that has become symbolic of resistance and protest since the Tishreen uprisings.

Tensions have escalated since then and on October 18, security forces attempted to disperse the crowds using tear gas. The Dhi Qar Police Command issued a statement accusing protesters of attacking security forces who were assigned to protect the demonstrators. The police claimed that three officers and 19 security personnel were injured during the altercations.

Allegations of security forces torturing detained protesters have further inflamed the situation. A widely circulated video on social media purportedly shows a young man being hung by his arms and beaten into a forced confession. In response, demonstrators have demanded the immediate release of the detained activists and an end to what they view as politically motivated raids by local authorities.