Iraq's Ministry of Defence has accused the media of launching an attack on army general Jamil Al Shammari, who allegedly ordered the killing of protesters in the southern city of Nasiriyah last week.
Gen Al Shammari has been widely blamed for the death of at least 29 Iraqi protesters during a brutal crackdown last week that has been labelled a massacre.
On Sunday, local media said that Iraq's judiciary issued an arrest warrant for the army general in the first legal action against a high-ranking member of the armed forces since protests first broke out at the beginning of October. He has not been detained since the indictment was announced.
The killings pushed former prime minister Adel Abdul Mahdi, himself a native of Nasiriyah, to resign a day later.
“The ministry would like to confirm that Lieutenant General Jamil Al Shammari issued a strong and official order for his officers to not fire at protesters and stressed the importance of protecting the demonstrators,” the ministry said in a statement on Thursday.
Mr Abdul Mahdi stripped Gen Al Shammari from his role as head of the crisis cell in Dhi Qar because of the incident's high death toll, just 16 hours after he had been appointed.
“We are following with great concern the media attacks against senior leaders and officers who have been heroic and courageous in defending their country against threats,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry urged the media to be “accurate before publishing stories” as it does not allow “attacks on our commanders, officers and generals”.
It also called on demonstrators to "respect the law and maintain peaceful protests" and said that members of the security forces are there to protect them.
Washington said that officials in Baghdad must hold those behind the killings on November 28 accountable, with the wider protest death toll now over 420.
David Schenker, US assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern affairs, said on Monday that the “use of excessive force” in Nasiriyah “was shocking and abhorrent” and that the Iraqi government “must investigate and hold accountable those who attempt to brutally silence peaceful protesters”.
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Protesters stage a sit-in on barriers at the Ahrar Bridge during ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad, Iraq. AP Photo -
Security forces close Rasheed Street during ongoing anti-government protests in Baghdad. AP Photo -
A demonstrator wearing a protective helmet flashes the victory sign in Tahrir Square. AFP -
A demonstrator uses a slingshot to hurl stones at security forces during ongoing anti-governments protests in Najaf. AFP -
Iraqi security forces help an injured soldier during clashes on Rasheed Street. EPA -
A protester rests during a sit-in at Tahrir Square. AP Photo -
A "wishing wall" set up by demonstrators is seen in Tahrir Square. AFP -
Actors perform a play representing the ongoing anti-government demonstrations in Tahrir Square. AFP -
A young protester is blanket-tossed into the air by fellow demonstrators in Tahrir Square. AFP -
A mural representing an Iraqi pupil saying "this is a public square, and that is a schoolyard...we can play wherever you want", is seen under a canopy of sticky notes in Tahrir Square. AFP
