SULAIMANI (ESTA) — U.S. Embassy in Baghdad on Sunday condemned the killing of Iraqi activist and medic Haider Yaser in Dhi Qar province.
Iraqi media reported the security forces had found the body of Yaser in Shuyoukh district in Dhi Qar province on Saturday.
“The United States condemns the murder of activist and medic Haider Yaser. We share in the sorrow of the Iraqi people mourning his death,” the U.S. embassy said in a tweet late on Sunday.
“The shocking imagery of this brutal crime is horrifying,” it added.
“We add our voice to all those calling for the perpetrators to be brought to justice and we urge Iraqi security authorities to ensure that those engaging in peaceful protest activity be allowed to do so without fear for their lives or personal safety.”
Iraqi activists have been targeted by unknown groups for their participation in anti-government protests across the country.
The independent rights organization Al-Amal says at least 44 kidnappings and 74 attempted killings of activists have taken place, mostly in Baghdad and southern Iraq, in 2019, according to AFP.
It had documented at least 39 killings since October 2019, when thousands of Iraqis took to the streets in mass anti-government protests demanding jobs and the departure of the ruling elite which they said was corrupt.
