At least eight people were killed in action by security forces against protests in Iraq's Kurdistan, which continued on Tuesday 8 December. On Monday, six people were killed when security forces and some activists of the ruling parties opened fire on the protesters. These protesters were demanding their salaries and jobs on time. Two more people died in similar incidents on Tuesday. Peaceful protests in various districts of Iraq's Kurdistan region began on 3 December when thousands of teachers and other government employees demanded the resignation of KRG President Nechirvan Barjani, alleging widespread corruption in the regional government over delays in their salaries. Had. These protesters also demanded fresh elections for the legislature of the area. These protesters were joined by a large number of youth who sought new employment opportunities. These protests continued during Vikand. The agitation intensified on Monday when protesters were attacked by security forces and cadres of ruling parties, killing six people and injuring at least 26. Security forces fired tear gas shells and water canons to prevent them from marching in Suleimania city. Security forces also showed aggression at similar protests in various other parts of the region. These protesters set fire to the offices of the ruling political parties Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDU) and Goran (Change Movement) near the capital Erbil. Some protesters died in a shootout by activists of these parties. The Barzani-led Kurdistan Regional Government has failed to pay salaries of its total 1.2 million employees, citing lack of funds since the month of October this year. However, these protesters say the lack of funds is the result of widespread corruption in the government. The regional government's unwillingness to compromise with the federal government and the decision to relinquish its right to freely sell more than 446,000 barrels of oil in exchange for a 12% stake in the federal budget, efforts by these parties' leaders to protect personal interests Has been seen as. Opposition parties, Iraq's President Barham Saleh, Iraq's Human Rights Commission and the United Nations Assistance Mission to Iraq have condemned this government repression and asked the government to resolve issues raised by protesters.
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