Iraq: Demonstrations in Basra September 4 after death of protester /update 8

Hundreds of people gather in Basra on September 4 to mourn the death of a protester killed one day prior during clashes with security forces; additional protests expected
Read all related news alert(s):
Iraq: Protests in Basra on September 23 /update 17
Iraq: Protests to continue in Basra September 13 /update 16
Iraq: Curfew lifted after security forces deployed in Basra September 8 /update 15
Iraq: Rockets fired near Basra airport September 8 /update 14
Iraq: State of emergency declared in Basra as violence escalates Sep. 7 /update 13
Iraq: Protesters set fire to several buildings in Basra September 7 /update 12
Iraq: Protests shift to Iraq’s Umm Qasr commodities port in Basra September 6 /update 11
Iraq: Violent protests continue in Basra September 5 /update 10
Iraq: Second night of violent protests in Basra September 4 /update 9
Iraq: Hundreds protest in Basra August 31 /update 7
Iraq: Protests continue in Basra province August 5 and 6 /update 6
Iraq: Protests continue in Baghdad, southern provinces as of July 23 /update 5
Iraq: Protests continue in Basra and Baghdad July 20 /update 4
Iraq: Protests continue near Basra July 17 /update 3
Iraq: Deadly protests continue in south, causing flight disruptions in Najaf July 15 /update 2
Iraq: Flight disruptions at Najaf airport due to protests /update 1
Iraq: Demonstrators storm Najaf Airport July 13
Event
At least one protester was killed and six more were injured during violent clashes between demonstrators and security forces in Basra on Monday evening (local time), September 3. Hundreds of mourners subsequently gathered in Basra on Tuesday, September 4, in response to the death and to protest the previous day's violence. The situation on Tuesday remained tense, with demonstrators carrying the dead protester's coffin through the streets and again clashing with security forces. Mourners reportedly approached and damaged the gate of the provincial government headquarters, before being dispersed by security forces using tear gas. Protesters called for demonstrations to continue Tuesday evening, September 4. Additional demonstrations remain possible in the coming days.
Context
Monday night's protests turned violent as demonstrators reportedly threw petrol bombs and other projectiles at security forces, who attempted to control the crowd by firing into the air and using tear gas. Related demonstrations were also held in Basra on Friday, August 31, with protesters demanding improved public services and denouncing perceived widespread corruption. These most recent protests follow a series of related anti-government demonstrations that have taken place throughout the summer. Although focused on southern Iraq, they have also spread to Baghdad, and have left over a dozen demonstrators dead and hundreds of others wounded.
Advice
Individuals in Iraq, and particularly those in Basra, are advised to closely monitor the situation, avoid all protests and large public gatherings as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.
The security environment in Iraq remains complex. Although travel is possible in some areas with proper security protocols in place, other areas should be considered strictly off-limits. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to all travel.
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