Iraqi protest movement demands firm government stance against Kuwait over fishermen deaths

BAGHDAD, Iraq — A popular movement formed in opposition to the Khor Abdullah Agreement called on Friday on the Iraqi government to take a firm stance against Kuwait following attacks on Iraqi fishermen, including the killing of a fisherman identified as Necm Abdullah and the detention of others. Movement spokesman Sheikh Raid al-Furayji said the government has remained silent in response and that the Foreign Ministry has also failed to take a clear position. He added that Iraq's ambassador to Kuwait did not provide protection and that the performance of some ambassadors should be reviewed. Al-Furayji also criticized a delegation that traveled to Kuwait, led by the Foreign Minister and joined by the prime minister's security adviser and Basra Governor Asad al-Idani, saying its handling of the detained fishermen was "shameful and sycophantic toward the Kuwaiti side." The movement is demanding compensation for the family of the dead fisherman, coverage of medical expenses and ongoing care for the injured fisherman, and an official complaint to international bodies if the attacks occurred in Iraqi territorial waters. The group warned that if demands are not met, it will move to protest in front of and seek the closure of Kuwait's consulate in Basra. Separately, Mahdi al-Tamimi, head of the Iraqi Human Rights Office, said at a news conference in Basra that the incident was condemned and called for urgent diplomatic action to protect Iraq's sovereignty. No further details on the alleged attacks were immediately available.