The Security Media Cell (SMC) stressed the importance of obtaining prior approvals for the demonstration.

The SMC said in a statement, “Protesting is a right guaranteed by the Iraqi constitution, and that the security services of all kinds stand with the peaceful demonstrators in expressing their right to condemn the heinous act of burning the Holy Qur’an as well as the Iraqi flag, and our security forces understand the feelings of our people and stand in solidarity with them, and at the same time stress the non-disruption of security and preserving the public and private property and respect for state institutions that belong to the people.”

The statement stressed “the importance of adhering to the peacefulness of the demonstrations and obtaining prior approvals for the purpose of securing protection for the demonstrators and organizing the process of movement of citizens and their various interests, calling on the demonstrators and all our people to calm down, rely on wisdom, cooperate with the security forces and renounce violence, and calls not to approach security headquarters, missions, embassies and state institutions because they are under protection.”

It said that the security forces will not hesitate to take deterrent legal measures against anyone who attempts to attack and create chaos.

Source: National Iraqi News Agency