UN condemns "atrocities" against peaceful protesters in Iraq

BAGHDAD, Dec 7 (KUNA) -- The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General (SRSG) for Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert condemned on Saturday "in the strongest terms" the last night shooting of unarmed protesters in central Baghdad by armed entities.
The attacks left a high number of deaths and injuries among innocent citizens, according to a statement by office of the SRSG who is also head of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI).
"The deliberate killing of unarmed protesters by armed elements is nothing less than an atrocity against the people of Iraq. The perpetrators must be identified and brought to justice without delay," Hennis-Plasschaert stressed. The SRSG urges Iraqi Armed Forces to spare no effort to protect the peaceful protesters from violence by armed elements operating outside state control.
She calls on peaceful protesters to cooperate constructively to ensure the peaceful protests can be duly protected, according to the statement.
Acts of violence that are gang-driven, arising from external loyalties, politically motivated or intended to settle scores, risk placing Iraq on a dangerous trajectory.
It is essential to join hands in defending fundamental rights, such as the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of speech.
The SRSG expresses her deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and wishes the injured a speedy recovery. (end) ahh.gb