Followers of a Shia cleric vandalized the parliament building in Baghdad, Iraq, to protest efforts to form a government led by Iran-backed groups.
A protester holds a poster depicting Shia cleric Muktada al-Sadr on a bridge leading to the Green Zone area in Baghdad, Iraq. (Photo: AP)
Hundreds of followers of an influential Shia cleric violated Iraq’s parliament for the second time in a week on Saturday to protest attempts by Iran-backed groups to form a government.
Iraqi security forces used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse the protesters, and Associated Press reporters suffered multiple injuries. The expected Parliament session did not take place and there were no MLAs in the hall.
Iraq’s Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi instructed security forces to protect the protesters and asked them to keep their protest peaceful, according to a statement.
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Followers of influential cleric Muktada al-Sadr, thousands of protesters, used ropes to pull down cement barricades leading to the gates of Iraq’s Green Zone, which houses official buildings and foreign embassies.
They were heeding al-Sadr’s call to oppose the formation of the next government led by the Coalition Framework, a coalition of Shiite parties backed by Iran.
“We came today to dismantle the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding parliament sessions and from forming the government,” said 41-year-old Raad Thabet. “We answered al-Sadr’s call. We will go to the Green (Zone). No matter the cost.”
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Al-Sadr’s party pulled out of government formation talks in June, requiring them to proceed with the process to give a majority to their rivals in the Coordination Framework Coalition.
Many protesters wore black to mark the days leading up to Ashura, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the most important figures of Shia Islam. Al-Sadr’s message to his followers has used the important day in Shia Islam to incite protests.
Al-Sadr has used his large ground level as leverage against his rivals.
On Wednesday, hundreds of his followers stormed the parliament building after the Framework Coalition nominated Mohammed al-Sudani for premiership and signaled their readiness to form a government despite his threats.
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