Iraqi protesters are seeking greater international attention to both their cause and attacks by security forces and armed groups, even at one point displaying a large United Nations flag at the Turkish restaurant at Tahrir Square; the restaurant was seized Feb. 1 by supporters of populist cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.

Protests started in early October in a bid to bring about political change in the country. On Jan. 28, the logo of the international organization was raised, a day after demonstrators circulated posters in Tahrir Square calling for the UN to intervene to protect them from excessive violence.

Demonstrators accuse the government and Iran-backed armed factions close to it of resorting to violence, including firing live bullets and deadly tear gas canisters at protesters; these have killed and wounded a large number of those protesting.

Iraqi official authorities have denied issuing any orders to use violence or to fire live bullets on protesters. They blamed a “third party” they did not reveal and said they are officially investigating the matter.