Amnesty International has issued a stern condemnation of the Iraqi government's relentless persecution of activists involved in the Tishreen protests, which rocked the nation six years ago. The rights group criticized the Iraqi authorities for their failure to deliver justice for the numerous killings and disappearances perpetrated by security forces and militias during and subsequent to the protests.

According to Amnesty, there has been a disturbing lack of credible investigations, prosecutions, and reparations, severely undermining the potential for truth and justice for the victims and their grieving families. The organization has documented multiple instances of reprisals against activists and their families, including home raids, harassment, and arrests, with some facing charges that carry the death penalty.

Razaw Salihy, Iraq Researcher at Amnesty International, expressed outrage over the situation, stating, "It is abominable that six years after the Tishreen protests, Iraqi authorities remain busy hounding and intimidating activists and their families, while those behind the horrific killings, assassinations, and enforced disappearances remain at large. This obliterates prospects for justice, truth, and reparations for crimes under international law committed by security forces and affiliated militias during and after the protests."

The Tishreen protests, which began in October 2019, were marked by severe violence against demonstrators, resulting in many young people being killed, injured, and forcibly disappeared. Furthermore, at least 2700 criminal cases were filed in the wake of the demonstrations, highlighting the extensive scope of the crackdown.

This latest condemnation from Amnesty International comes just a year after the organization published a report highlighting the failure of successive Iraqi governments to ensure justice, truth, and reparation for those affected by the lethal crackdown on the 2019 Tishreen protests. The human rights situation in Iraq continues to be a source of significant concern internationally. Earlier this year, Iraqi authorities shut down the news channel Iraq AlHadath for covering sensitive topics, and amendments to the Iraqi personal status law were criticized for not adequately protecting women’s rights. Additionally, Human Rights Watch issued a statement in October 2023 addressing the ongoing issue of enforced disappearances linked to protests.

The continuous international attention underscores the urgent need for reform and accountability in Iraq’s approach to human rights, particularly concerning the rights to protest and express dissent.