Thousands of followers of an influential Shiite cleric stormed Iraq’s parliament for the second time this week, protesting efforts to form a government led by his rivals, an alliance of Iran-backed groups.
Key Points:
- The expected Parliament session did not take place and there were no politicians present in the building
- Iraqi security forces initially used tear gas and sound bombs to try to repel the protesters
- The Ministry of Health says around 125 people were injured in the violence
The alliance showed signs of internal division, with some calling for counter-protests, a development that would raise the specter of civil strife, while others later urged dialogue.
Iraqi security forces initially used tear gas and sound bombs to try to repel the protesters, followers of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr.
Once inside, the protesters declared an open sit-in and stated that they would not disperse until their demands were met.
As the number of protesters increased, the police retreated. The expected Parliament session did not take place and there were no politicians in the room.
By late afternoon, the Health Ministry said about 125 people had been injured in the violence: 100 protesters and 25 members of the security forces.
Parliament Speaker Mohammed Halbousi suspended future sessions until further notice.
Protesters attempt to remove concrete barriers and cross the bridge into the Green Zone area in Baghdad. (AP: Adil al-Khazali)
Protesters tear down concrete barricades
Early in the day and listening to the calls of Mr. al-Sadr, protesters used ropes and chains to pull down cement barricades leading to the gate of Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone, which houses government buildings and embassies.
The development showed al-Sadr using his large following as a pressure tactic against his rivals, after his party failed to form a government despite winning the largest number of seats in federal elections held in last october
With neither side appearing willing to budge, and Mr al-Sadr trying to derail government-formation efforts led by his rivals, Iraq’s political limbo and paralysis have ushered in a new era of instability in the besieged country.
Influential Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has used his considerable following to disrupt parliament. (AP: Anmar Khalil)
Fear of more political violence
Al-Sadr has used his followers as leverage against rivals and ordered them to occupy parliament in the past, including in 2016 during the administration of Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi.
Now, 10 months after the last election, the political vacuum is shaping up to be the longest since the 2003 US-led invasion to topple Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein restored the country’s political order.
al-Sadr’s rivals in the coordination framework, an alliance of Iran-backed Shiite parties led by former prime minister Nouri al-Maliki, showed signs of internal divisions later Saturday.
Both protesters and security forces were injured on Saturday, when hundreds of men again stormed parliament. (AP: Adil al-Khazali)
At first, the alliance called for “peaceful” counter-protests to defend the State, fearing possible street clashes and inter-ethnic violence.
“Civil peace is a red line and all Iraqis must be ready to defend it by all possible and peaceful means,” the alliance said.
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Inside the parliament, as the day progressed, security forces’ defenses became less intense and many were seen sitting and chatting with the protesters. Later, some protesters began to move from the parliament towards the Judicial Council building.
“We came today to eliminate the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding a session in parliament, and to prevent the Framework from forming a government,” said one protester, Raad Thabet.
“We answered al-Sadr’s call,” the 41-year-old said.
al-Sadr’s party walked out of government-formation talks in June, giving its rivals in the Coordination Framework the majority they needed to move forward with the process.
Many protesters wore black to mark the days leading up to Ashura, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Mohamed and one of the most important figures in Shiite Islam.
Al-Sadr’s message to his followers has used the important day in Shiite Islam to spark protests.
It is not clear to what extent Saturday’s events could derail efforts to gather enough support for Mr. al-Sudani’s bid for the presidency.
Mr al-Maliki had wanted the top job himself, but audio recordings of him allegedly cursing and criticizing Mr al-Sadr and even his own Shiite allies were leaked, effectively sinking his bid .
AP