At least two people killed by Iraqi security forces as clashes continue
January 21, 2020, 10:12 am

At least two people killed by Iraqi security forces as clashes continue

An Iraqi demonstrator receives medical help after being affected by tear gas during ongoing anti-government protests, in Baghdad, Iraq January 20, 2020. (Photo Reuters)

At least two people were killed by Iraqi security forces when they fired at demonstrators in the cities of Karbala and Baghdad, according to Al Arabiya sources on Tuesday.

Demonstrators blocked major roads in the capital Baghdad, as well as the governorates of Najaf, southwest of the capital Baghdad, and the city of Karbala, in central Iraq. They also closed the Revolution Bridge in Babil.

Local Iraqi media also reported, citing a security source, that seven people had suffered breathing problems from the use of tear gas.

Monday was the deadline for the government to meet the protesters’ demands, which include forming a temporary government, holding early elections, and investigating the killing and kidnapping of activists.

At least three Iraqi protesters and two policemen were killed in Baghdad on Monday after security forces used tear gas and live fire to disperse crowds and prevent them from blocking roads, according to medical sources.

Demonstrations in the country have erupted in the country since October 2019 over widespread corruption and foreign interference.

source: Joanne Series

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, has sponsored the BuildHer CityHack 2025 Hackathon, a two-day event spearheaded by the College of Engineering and Technology at the Royal University for Women (RUW).
Aimed at secondary school students, the event brought together a distinguished group of academic professionals and technology experts to mentor and inspire young participants.
More than 100 high school students from across the Kingdom of Bahrain took part in the hackathon, which featured an intensive programme of training workshops and hands-on sessions. These activities were tailored to enhance participants’ critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and team-building capabilities, while also encouraging the development of practical and sustainable solutions to contemporary challenges using modern technological tools.
BENEFIT’s Chief Executive Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi, commented: “Our support for this educational hackathon reflects our long-term strategic vision to nurture the talents of emerging national youth and empower the next generation of accomplished female leaders in technology. By fostering creativity and innovation, we aim to contribute meaningfully to Bahrain’s comprehensive development goals and align with the aspirations outlined in the Kingdom’s Vision 2030—an ambition in which BENEFIT plays a central role.”
Professor Riyadh Yousif Hamzah, President of the Royal University for Women, commented: “This initiative reflects our commitment to advancing women in STEM fields. We're cultivating a generation of creative, solution-driven female leaders who will drive national development. Our partnership with BENEFIT exemplifies the powerful synergy between academia and private sector in supporting educational innovation.”
Hanan Abdulla Hasan, Senior Manager, PR & Communication at BENEFIT, said: “We are honoured to collaborate with RUW in supporting this remarkable technology-focused event. It highlights our commitment to social responsibility, and our ongoing efforts to enhance the digital and innovation capabilities of young Bahraini women and foster their ability to harness technological tools in the service of a smarter, more sustainable future.”
For his part, Dr. Humam ElAgha, Acting Dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at the University, said: “BuildHer CityHack 2025 embodies our hands-on approach to education. By tackling real-world problems through creative thinking and sustainable solutions, we're preparing women to thrive in the knowledge economy – a cornerstone of the University's vision.”