Gunmen assassinate 2 prominent activists south of Iraq

Unknown gunmen shot dead two prominent anti-government activists on Tuesday in Maysan governorate, south of Iraq, Anadolu Agency reported.

A police officer in the Maysan police department told the news agency that unidentified gunmen opened fire on the activists – Abdul Quddus Qasim and Karrar Adel – near the industrial zone in the city of Amara.

“The activists were killed instantly, while the attackers fled the scene,” added the source, who asked not to be named because he was not authorised to speak to the media.

He pointed out that the security authorities have opened an investigation into the accident.

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The activists’ assassination sparked widespread rage and grief among Iraqis with hundreds of people attending the funerals.

Since protests erupted in Iraq in October, anti-government demonstrators have been exposed to coordinated attacks such as assassinations, kidnappings and torture in secret locations.

The government has repeatedly pledged to prosecute those responsible for the violations, but no measures have been taken on the ground.