Iraq: Renewed tensions between Sadr supporters and security forces

Iraqi forces today returned mock coffins laid in memory of protesters killed during Saturday’s violent clashes in Baghdad’s Tahrir square, following fears that their removal would make the security situation worse.

On Saturday, protesters, the majority supporters of Shia cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, gathered in the square during a protest for electoral reform. Seven people were killed in the demonstration demanding the country’s election commissioners be replaced and the electoral law overhauled.

Read: Violence in Baghdad as thousands demonstrate against Iraq government

As a result, Iraqis took to the streets again yesterday and laid flowers and mock coffins in Tahrir square in memory of those killed. When authorities removed the coffins, protesters took the streets again chanting slogans against the security forces, prompting them to return the coffins to their place, Police Captain Ahmad Khalaf said today.

The Iraqi security forces yesterday imposed strict measures in the capital, for fear of renewed clashes with Sadr’s supporters during a symbolic funeral for the victims.