On 13 September, EUAM Iraq in conjunction with key strategic interlocutors, facilitated a workshop on ‘’Policing of Protest’’ with a thematic focus on basic principles, command structures and decision-making models. Participation included diverse representation such as senior police officers from the Minister’s Office, Law Enforcement Command, Baghdad Police Command and the Ministry of Interior’s (MoI) Legal Department.

Following widespread popular protests and civil unrest in Iraq in late 2019, the Iraqi government has committed to enhance the policing of protests. Sporadic protests have continued this year countrywide, especially in cities of Najaf, Nassiriya and Basra.

EUAM Iraq provides strategic advice to the MoI and Iraqi police on enhancing national preparedness, organisational capabilities and operational response to protest. Balancing the right to peaceful protest with public safety imperatives and the maintenance of law and order is central to the democratic process.

- Policing of Protest is an important thematic area for us. We really appreciate EUAM’s continuous support in this field. The presentations were extremely interesting and useful, Director General of Training and Qualifications Department, Major General Ziad Taha stated.

The workshop is part of a programme that will be delivered by EUAM Iraq. The next workshop is scheduled to take place in Erbil later this month.