157's death toll would have been the death of the protesters killed in the protests that erupted in Iraq between the 1 and the 6 last October for high prices and corruption.
The government commission of inquiry charged with shedding light on the killings in those days reported that the 70% of victims were hit by lethal blows to the head and chest from unidentified snipers with their faces covered.
According to the report released by the commission, security forces have used excessive force on several occasions. The commission also points the finger at other unidentified armed men who have been responsible for numerous killings of demonstrators.
The report was published two days after the resumption of protests in Baghdad and other cities in the country.
Concerns have been expressed in recent days by the international institutions present in the country that have launched an appeal to all parties involved to reduce tensions and reject violence.
The message posted on twitter by the Italian embassy in the country in which it reads is analogous in tone: "The Italian embassy in Iraq expresses deep concern and sadness for the victims of protests in Baghdad and other Iraqi cities. The Italian Embassy in Baghdad fully supports peaceful dialogue between the Iraqi authorities and its citizens. Iraq deserves peace, security and prosperity ".