Iraqi government to continue campaign to keep streets tidy started by assassinated mayor

The Iraqi government announced on Wednesday that a campaign started by the mayor of a southern city, who was assassinated this week will be rolled out nationwide in his honour.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhimi visited the home of Abeer Al-Khafaji, the mayor of Karbala, who was gunned down on Tuesday evening while overseeing a campaign to tackle road violations and help keep streets and public spaces in order.

Iraqi streets are often festooned with posters and banners, while driving can also be erratic.

The premier said the campaign would be expanded across the country, pledging to deal harshly with any violators.

Speaking to The New Arab’s sister site Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, a government official said all municipalities in Iraq have been instructed to ensure there are no violations of public spaces with a one-month grace period before authorities begin removing signs, banners, and posters by force.

Iraq is still reeling under the aftermath of decades of conflicts, from both external and internal forces.

Fighting and political crises have left many parts of the country in a state of chaos and lawlessness with militias ruling some areas by proxy.

The mayor killed Tuesday is one of the more than 600 people murdered since Iraq's pro-democracy protest movement began in October 2019.

Despite government pledges to find the perpetrators and hold them to account, few have been arrested in connection with the crimes.

Several Iran-backed Shia militias are present and have strong influence across much of southern Iraq.