THE Iraqi Communist Party (ICP) has called on supporters to join a mass demonstration tomorrow demanding an investigation into killings of anti-government protesters.

It wants those responsible to be found and brought to justice, as nearly 600 people have been killed since an uprising began in most major cities in October 2019.

Thousands are expected to join rallies across the country organised under the slogan “Who Killed Me” as they raise the voices of martyrs killed by unknown militia forces.

“The series of assassinations, kidnappings and assaults against protesters and civil activists are not just ordinary criminal offences, but political actions and political crimes,” ICP spokesman Raed Fahmy said.

“It is the responsibility of the government and the security services” to find out who killed the protesters he added, saying they must protect the right to freedom of expression ahead of October’s parliamentary elections.

The ICP has already stated that it had suspended its participation in the election until firm action is taken by the government to find and punish the killers of activist Ihab al-Wazni in Karbala earlier this month.

His shooting triggered mass protests and the burning of the outer gates of the Iranian consulate, with the holy city’s Shi’ite population blaming Iranian-backed militia.

Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi, a former intelligence chief who came to power a year ago, has publicly vowed to find the killers but little progress has been made.

Mr Fahmy said that the Iraq was in a “deep crisis” with no future for the young and widespread government corruption.

Public services have continued to deteriorate, he said, as unemployment continues to rise.

“All legitimate demands [of the October uprising] are not attainable under this system,” he said, adding that “elections can’t change things unless they are free, fair and transparent.”