Killings at Shia festival in Baghdad

In a press release, Amnesty International has condemned a wave of bombings and other attacks in several Iraqi provinces including a number of locations in Baghdad that reportedly killed at least 55 people and wounded dozens during a major Shi’a religious festival. At least 18 people were reportedly killed by several bombs across Baghdad as Shi’a pilgrims gathered to mark the anniversary of the death of the imam Moussa al-Kadhim, a great-grandson of the prophet Muhammad. However, figures published by the Ministry of Interior point to a lower death toll, with at least 23 killed across the country. Hassiba Hadj Sahraoui, Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for the Middle East and North Africa said:“Deliberate attacks  on members of the general populationshow a complete disregard for the right to life and can never be justified. There needs to be a prompt, thorough and impartial investigation. Those found responsible must be brought to justice in proceedings that meet international standards of fairness, and without the imposition of the death penalty”. The Human rights organisation also reported that in a separate attack Wednesday in the mainly Shi'ite southern city of Hilla, two car bombs, including one detonated by a suicide bomber, exploded outside restaurants used by security forces, reportedly  killing 22 people and wounding 38. No one has claimed responsibility for any of the attacks so far, which come amid a deepening political crisis in the country.