Thousands of Iraqis have taken to the streets since early February 2011 to protest against the chronic lack of basic services, rising prices, mass unemployment and endemic corruption, and to demand greater civil and political rights. The security forces have frequently responded with excessive force to forcibly disperse peaceful protesters. Amnesty International is urging the authorities to crack down on the use of excessive force and torture by their security forces, not on the right of people to peacefully protest.