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US Imposes Sanctions on Iraqi Militia Leaders Linked to Iran

VOA News

   The United States imposed sanctions Friday on three Iranian-backed
   Iraqi militia leaders over their alleged role in violently suppressing
   protests that have shaken Iraq.

   The militia leaders are accused of ordering their forces to fire on
   civilians protesting government corruption and high unemployment. Since
   the protests began in October, around 400 protesters have been reported
   killed by security forces.

   "Peaceful public dissent and protest are fundamental elements of all
   democracies," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement
   that announced the sanctions Friday.

   In a subsequent statement, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said: "The
   Iraqi people want their country back. ... They are calling for genuine
   reform and accountability and for trustworthy leaders who will put
   Iraq's national interests first. Those demands deserve to be addressed
   without resort to violence or suppression."

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