A 15-year-old Christian has reportedly been shot dead by police during a protest in central Baghdad on Tuesday.
According to religious freedom charity International Christian Concern (ICC), Assyrian teenager Rimon was targeted and killed by security forces at Tahrir Square, also known as Liberation Square on 24th February.
A further 24 protesters were wounded during the violence from gunshots and tear gas.
Demonstrations have been ongoing since October 2019 to protest against government corruption, high unemployment, insufficient public services, and foreign interference.
Following the death of Rimon, the Christian community has spoken out against the violence towards Iraqi citizens by the authorities.
"Protesting in Baghdad took a lot of souls. Rimon was among them, and he was only 15-years-old," a local Christian woman told ICC.
"I cannot imagine how sad Rimon's parents are. Every day we are losing lots of souls; someone needs to do something to stop this massacre," another Christian protester added.
An estimated 600 Iraqi's have lost their lives since the protests which call for political reform in the country began last year.
Christians there continue to experience violence as a result of the conflict, despite the defeat of IS.
ICC's regional manager for the Middle East, Claire Evans has offered her condolences to Rimon's family.
"We pray for the family of Rimon and for peace to come to a region that has seen increased violence toward Christians. We praise God as the refuge and strong tower that He is for our persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ who continue to endure so much," she said in a statement.
