News & Politics
In Iraq, at least 80 activists have been the target of assassination attempts since protests erupted in late 2019. The anti-government movement called for jobs and better public services. Now, as Iraq heads to the polls this weekend, many argue the killings have deterred protest movement candidates from standing in the elections. Our correspondents Jack Hewson and Lucile Wassermann travelled to the city of Kut to meet campaigners, who say the attacks are carried out by armed groups connected to Iraq's political establishment.