Killings In Iraq Spark Calls For Election Boycott
Muhammad Irfan Published May 24, 2021 | 08:10 AM
Baghdad, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th May, 2021 ) :A wave of deadly attacks on pro-democracy activists and journalists in Iraq have sparked mounting calls to boycott October parliamentary elections, as perpetrators go unpunished.
Killings, attempted murder and abductions have targeted more than 70 activists since a protest movement erupted against government corruption and incompetence in 2019.
Elections were set in response to a central demand of the protracted protest movement that lasted from October to June 2020, and during which demonstrators also railed against Iran's influence in Iraq.
But as attacks continue with impunity, more voices have joined a call to boycott the vote.
Former lawmaker Faeq al-Sheikh Ali resigned after anti-government campaigner Ihab al-Wazni was shot dead in an ambush in the central holy Shiite shrine city of Karbala on May 9.
"I announce my withdrawal from the legislative elections," he said after Wazni's killing.
He also called for other leaders of the protest movement to pull out of the race.
"Prepare... to continue the revolution in the coming months against Iran and its dirty militias," Sheikh Ali said. "There is no other choice but to topple this criminal regime." Authorities have consistently failed to publicly identify or charge the perpetrators of the killings, which have not been claimed.
However, activists have repeatedly blamed Iran-linked armed groups that wield considerable influence in Iraq.
Wazni had for many years criticised Iraqi armed groups and Iran's outsized influence in the country.
The day after he was killed, prominent journalist Ahmed Hassan was also shot in southern Iraq. He remains in a coma after undergoing brain surgery.
After Wazni's murder, a movement born out of the anti-government protests called Al-Beit Al-Watani -- the National Bloc -- said it would boycott the October elections.
"We reject elections until the killers of the leaders of the October revolution are behind bars," the bloc's founder Hussein al-Gharabi told AFP, referring to the protest movement.
Since then, 17 groups have joined the call for a boycott.
They had presented lists for the elections, believing they had strong popular support to change the system through the ballot box.
But all that changed with the murder of Wazni and the attack on Hassan.
"We are firmly against holding elections, as long as weapons are freely available and killings continue," the groups said in a joint statement on May 17.
Pro-democracy activists called for a protest on Tuesday in the capital Baghdad, to demand the government arrest those responsible for the killings.
They are convinced the perpetrators are known by security forces, but have not been arrested because of links with neighbouring Iran.
On Twitter, photos have circulated of prominent activists murdered in the country with the hashtag "Who killed me?".
However, analysts expressed doubt that calls for a boycott would stop the elections, saying traditional parties control political power in the country through pressure, vote buying and intimidation.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Pakistan all set to face New Zealand tomorrow
Health activists ring alarm bells over 10-stick cigarette pack
DC Matiari chairs emergency meeting to prevent measles epidemic
ACS leads dengue prevention campaign rally
Security plan finalized for by elections in NA 44: DPO
Duplantis to unleash 'inner' pole vault contest as Olympics beckon
Admin accords priority to clean drinking water for citizens: Commissioner
PTI gets court permission to hold rally in NA-119
ATC extends interim bail of PTI founder in 3 cases
Tennis: ATP Barcelona Open results
Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique orders completing PIC modular the ..
Deputy Commissioners imposed section 144 for multiple events in Abbottabad, Hari ..
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
8 hours ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
4 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
5 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
5 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
8 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
10 days ago
-
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
12 days ago -
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
12 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
12 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
12 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
14 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
14 days ago