Massive protests, which have been taking place in Iraq since early October, have entered a new and critical phase. More than 275 protesters have been killed and thousands injured, yet following a break for the religious observance of Arba’een, the protesters have returned to the streets with new courage and resolve.
To their initial demands that the government corruption, address unemployment and its failure to deliver basic services, the protesters are now calling for Prime Minister Mahdi to resign and for the drafting of a new constitution that would disband corrupt, sectarian, political factions—exactly the dysfunctional government the
U.S. imposed on Iraq. Regular updates on development in Iraq are being posted by the Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative.
Today, the Iraqi Civil Society Solidarity Initiative is calling on the international community to show its solidarity with the nonviolent protests in Iraq.
Please share updates and publications about the uprising on your community media. Demand that those responsible for the deaths and injuries of protestors are held accountable, and that all torture, imprisonment without charge, and forced false confessions cease.
- Use #WITH_IRAQIS
- Donate money for helmets, gas masks, medical supplies and food for the courageous and steadfast young women and men who continue to demonstrate, despite risks to their own lives.
- If you are in Iraq, buy materials, go to Tahrir Square and deliver them directly to protesters in need.
- If you are in contact with NGOs or activists you trust in Iraq, send them money and ask them to buy needed materials.
- If you don’t have contacts in Iraq, to donate, wire us at this email: icssi.project@gmail.com
- No matter where you are, stand with the demonstrators; at Iraqi embassies near you, in front of the headquarters of the United Nations or the European Union, in front of the media outlets that serve your community. Choose the place closest to you that can best make your voice heard, and be sure to work alongside Iraqis in your cities and towns. It is not important how many you are, any and all support is meaningful — and urgent!
- Create materials in your own language to spread the news of the intifada among the citizens of your country. You can use the videos and pictures that we at ICSSI have published on our Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/solidarityinitiative.icssi
