Security forces intervene as tensions rise outside the headquarters of the General Authority for Meteorology in Baghdad, where employees clashed with the director general’s personal guards during a protest.
Investigation launched
Baghdad weather authority workers block director in protest over alleged abuse, misconduct
BAGHDAD — Protests escalated Sunday at Iraq’s General Authority for Meteorology and Seismic Monitoring, where employees physically blocked Director General Salman Saddam Al-Bahadli from entering the building, accusing him of administrative misconduct and workplace abuse. The confrontation followed three days of partial work stoppages and a suspension of weather data distribution.
Eyewitnesses told 964media that staff formed a human barrier at the authority’s headquarters in central Baghdad to prevent Al-Bahadli from entering. The director allegedly attempted to push past the line of employees, causing several to fall and some to faint. Security assigned to the facility reportedly sided with the protesters, while members of Al-Bahadli’s personal guard clashed with staff, further escalating tensions.
The incident came just hours after Transport Minister Razzaq Muhaibas Al-Saadawi ordered Al-Bahadli’s transfer to the ministry and launched a formal investigation.
“We have opened an official investigation regarding the conduct of the director general of the General Authority for Meteorology,” Al-Saadawi said in a statement. “I have directed that he be pulled back to the ministry immediately.”
964media contacted Amer Al-Jaberi, spokesperson for the meteorology authority, but did not receive a response.
Sunday’s standoff marked the most serious escalation since the protests began Thursday. In a statement issued by employees, staff accused Al-Bahadli of fostering a hostile work environment and denying basic workplace rights.
Complaints included electricity cuts “under the pretext of fuel conservation,” water outages in restrooms, removal of office furniture, and denial of leave — including for bereavement. Protesters also cited forced overtime during official holidays, arbitrary staff transfers, and disciplinary action for minor infractions.
“Disciplinary committees are being used for the smallest issues, even for entering the restroom,” the statement said.