Basra University president backs staff sit-in over pay and promotions

BASRA, Iraq — The president of the University of Basra, Akil Fadil al-Dahhan, expressed support for protests launched by the university's administrative, technical and academic staff, saying the university administration, council and department heads stand with the demonstrators and that no pressure or coercion has been applied to participants. Al-Dahhan said resolving the staff's demands falls outside the authority of the university administration or the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research alone, noting that the matters fall within the remit of the Ministry of Finance and the Council of Ministers. He called on staff to consolidate their requests into a single signed formal letter, saying this would allow the relevant authorities to follow up more seriously. University employees had begun a sit-in outside the presidential building in the Khor area to demand the release of delayed salaries and the completion of pay raises and grade promotions. Protest representative Azer Hussein said staff had decided to add a work stoppage to their action and would continue their protest until their demands are met. Authorities are expected to address the reasons behind the salary delays and accelerate the processing of raises and promotions.