Iraqi militia leader admits killing protesters in 2019 crackdown

The head of Iraq's Badr militia, Hadi al-Amiri, has admitted his group killed and wounded thousands of protesters during the October 2019 uprising, sparking outrage and legal demands for prosecution. In a speech circulating since August 31, Amiri praised the "resistance" for suppressing what he called the "October fitna," accusing protesters of sedition. A lawyer has filed a complaint with Iraq's Prosecutor General demanding an investigation into Badr and Amiri's remarks. The admission comes as Iraq seeks to disarm militias, with several groups refusing. Over 600 protesters were killed and 20,000 injured during the crackdown, and victims' families are now planning lawsuits against Amiri.