Iraqi Protesters Set Fire to Parts of Iran’s Consulate in Karbala

In protest against the killing of an Iraqi civil activist, a group of protesters attacked the building of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s consulate in Karbala. They set fire to parts of this building, including the guard post of Iran’s consulate.

German news agency reported on Monday, May 10 (Ordibehesht 20) about an attack by a group of protesters on the building of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s consulate in Karbala.

The attack took place on the evening of Sunday, May 9, in protest against the killing of an Iraqi civil activist named Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni.

It is reported that several motorcyclists shot and killed this civil activist in the early morning hours of Sunday, May 9 (Ordibehesht 19).

Following this, protesters attacked the building of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s consulate in Karbala. There are also reports of clashes between Iraqi security forces and protesters.

It is reported that Iraqi security forces fired to disperse the protesters, and at least ten protesters were wounded.

The German news agency further referenced videos posted on social media showing protesters attempting to set fire to several guard posts as well as parts of Iran’s consulate building in Karbala.

The Islamic Republic of Iran condemned the attack on its diplomatic premises in Iraq on Monday morning, through the statement of Saeed Khatibzadeh. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman called on the Iraqi government to “carefully fulfill its duties in protecting Iran’s diplomatic premises in accordance with the Vienna Convention of 1961.”

According to Khatibzadeh, Iran’s Foreign Ministry submitted a protest note to Iraq’s embassy in Tehran last night.

Iraqi officials avoided commenting on the attack on Iran’s consulate in Karbala. It should be noted that Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni was one of the organizers of the protest movement in Iraq.

Since 2019, protesters had taken to the streets demanding comprehensive political reforms and fighting corruption. Following the fatal attack on Ihab Jawad Al-Wazni, Mustafa Al-Kadhimi, Prime Minister of Iraq, announced in a cabinet meeting that his country would take action to apprehend those responsible for the attack.

The embassies of the United States and Britain also condemned the fatal attack on this civil activist in Iraq.

Source: DW