As Iraq approaches the five-year anniversary of the Tishreen protests, a new report by Amnesty International highlights the government’s failure to deliver justice for the hundreds killed and thousands injured during the nationwide demonstrations. The protests, which erupted in October 2019, saw hundreds of thousands of Iraqis demanding economic reforms and an end to systemic corruption.
The report, titled “We Hold Them Responsible for the Blood of Our Youth,” reveals a disturbing trend of neglect and impunity surrounding the violent crackdown on protesters. Despite the scale of human rights violations committed by security forces and affiliated militias—such as unlawful use of lethal force—the Iraqi authorities have made minimal efforts to provide justice or reparations to victims and their families.
Aya Majzoub, Amnesty International’s Deputy Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, stated, “The five-year anniversary serves as a stark reminder of the entrenched impunity and the Iraqi authorities’ lack of political will to ensure justice for victims of grave human rights violations.” She emphasized the need for independent investigations into crimes against protesters and called for protections for witnesses and families seeking accountability.
Amnesty’s analysis reveals that out of approximately 2,700 criminal investigations initiated since 2019, only 10 arrest warrants have been issued, resulting in a mere seven convictions. This alarming statistic underscores serious flaws within Iraq’s judicial system, including political interference and a lack of transparency. High-profile cases related to Tishreen violations further illustrate the dangers faced by witnesses and families pursuing justice.
The violent suppression of protests was not merely a response to dissent; it was accompanied by a campaign of intimidation that included abductions and killings targeting activists and their supporters. Rather than engaging with civil society to address these issues, the Iraqi government has introduced measures that restrict civic freedoms.
In May 2023, lawmakers reintroduced a draft law that would significantly limit freedom of expression and assembly. If enacted, this legislation could empower authorities to ban protests without accountability. Additionally, a draft law governing non-governmental organizations (NGOs) is under consideration in Parliament, raising concerns among civil society leaders about provisions that would allow for the dissolution of NGOs without judicial oversight.
Civil society workers have expressed fears that these restrictions are motivated by a desire to prevent another uprising like Tishreen rather than addressing the legitimate grievances that fueled the protests in 2019. Amnesty International conducted interviews with 56 individuals for this report, including survivors, family members of victims, human rights defenders, and legal professionals. The organization also reviewed court documents, medical reports, and media coverage related to specific incidents during the protests.
As Iraq reflects on the legacy of the Tishreen protests, the call for accountability remains urgent. The international community is urged to pursue criminal investigations into abuses committed by Iraqi authorities under universal jurisdiction principles. Without meaningful action from both domestic authorities and global partners, the cycle of impunity is likely to continue.