Thousands of supporters rallied by al-Sadr and his Sadrist Movement tore down concrete barriers on Saturday and entered the Green Zone, which houses government departments and foreign missions, before breaking into parliament.
Supporters Iraq's powerful Shiite preacher Moqtada Sadr (portrait), protesting against a rival bloc's nomination for prime minister, occupy Iraq's parliament in Baghdad's high-security Green Zone, on July 31, 2022. It is the second time in days that supporters of the firebrand Shiite cleric have forced their way into the legislative chamber, after October elections failed to lead to the formation of a government, despite tear gas, water cannon and baking temperatures that touched 47 degrees Celsius
Iraqi security forces initially tried to repel the demonstrators, who are followers of the cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, using teargas and stun grenades. But once entered, the protesters declared an open-ended sit-in and claimed they would not disperse until their demands are answered.
Earlier in the day, the demonstrators 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. (In pic) Iraqis walk past removed concrete barriers along the Al-Jumhuriya (Republic) bridge that leads to Baghdad's high-security Green Zone.
Saturday’s demonstration comes days after protesters stormed the legislative body and suspended a session to nominate a new prime minister. At least 125 people – 100 civilians and 25 members of the security forces – were wounded during the chaos, according to the Ministry of Health.
The development showed al-Sadr (pictured) was using his large grassroots after as a pressure tactic against his rivals, after his party was not able to form a government despite having won the largest number of seats in the federal elections held last October.
According to reports, the supporters of al-Sadr are now in full control of the headquarters of the parliament. They have been oppose the candidacy of Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, a former minister and ex-provincial governor, who is the pro-Iran Coordination Framework’s pick for the premier’s post.