Iraq Protests: Recap and Live Updates

By Zeina Dowidar and Hannah Myrick
Here’s A Quick Recap:
On Friday, October 25, tens of thousands of protestors swept the streets of Iraq, from Basra to Baghdad and beyond. Citizens demanded accountability towards government corruption, a basic lack of services, and better employment prospects. Despite Iraq holding the world’s fifth-largest oil reserves, over 25% of the youth population is unemployed, and three-fifths of the population live on less than $6 a day. This comes at a time when even the most essential of public services are lacking, with most Iraqis having access to electricity only 5–8 hours every day. The eruption on the streets is the second wave of protests, as demonstrations that left over 150 dead began in early October.

While the protests have seen a lot of violence, with the death toll in the hundreds, it’s seen the kindness and care of Iraqis towards neighbours and strangers as well. Tuk-tuks, small vehicles that are often used by the youth and working-class for transport, have become somewhat of a symbol during the protests. Hundreds of tuk-tuk drivers have offered their services to help protestors get to where they need to go, as well as setting up food and water distribution channels for those in protest hotspots. Civilian doctors have also been working as emergency paramedics, with networks to ensure that they can get to wherever they’re needed.
Live Updates:
Here are some accounts that can help you keep up with what’s going on:
Photographers:
- @ayamansour11 (AR)
- @tbark_mansour (AR)
- @ziyad.matti (AR)
- @ghaith_abdulahad (EN)
- @zaid_mohammed14 (AR)
- @aymanalamiri (AR)
- @amirhazimphotos (EN)
Play-by-Play Reporting:
- @raedmotar (AR)
- @tattooedsuperman (AR)
- @iraqimedia.tv (AR)
- @aimhazi (AR)
General Commentary:
- @aaboulenein (EN)
- @simonafoltyn (EN)
- @sajadjiyad (EN)
- @rayajalabi (EN)
- @natashaghoneim (EN)
- @pmagid (EN)
Play-by-Play Reporting:
- @firasalsarrai (AR)
- @hiwaosman (EN + AR)
- @mustafa_salimb (EN)
- @TFPOI (EN)
- @iraqhumanrights (EN)
- @m_balsam (EN)
Check out the original post on our Kerned and Cultured blog
