This archive report was first published on 2 November 2019.
On October 1, protests in Baghdad began as a response to corruption and unemployment, but have since evolved into a broader condemnation of the political and religious class.
Protesters have occupied Tahrir square for over a week, rejecting the government's proposals for early elections and a new premier.
"We've been having elections for 16 years, and we've gotten nothing," said Haydar, a 30-year-old protester in Tahrir.
As of October 1, more than 250 people have been killed and thousands wounded in the rallies, with the latest official toll provided on Wednesday.
However, medical and security sources reported at least eight additional demonstrators killed since then, with seven of them dying in clashes around Tahrir and the eighth in the southern city of Nasiriyah at the hands of a local politician's security guards.
Amnesty International has criticized Iraqi forces for using military-grade tear gas canisters that have caused serious injuries to protesters.
