PM:03:44:29/08/2022
884 View
+
-
SULAIMANI— Angry protestors have stormed Baghdad's Green zone shortly
after an announcement by the Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr that he is
"leaving politics for good and shutting down all political
institutions."
The Iraqi Security Media Cell said on Twitter today (29
August) that all demonstrators must withdraw from the Green zone immediately.
Meanwhile, Iraqi Joint Operations Command announced a
"total curfew" in Baghdad today starting from 1530, the Sumaria news
website reported.
The media cell said the security forces have "adhered
to the highest levels of self-restraint and tolerant behaviour to prevent
clashes and Iraqi bloodshed."
It added that "the security forces affirm their
responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, and
public and private properties."
Sumaria news website said that protestors have entered the
Presidential Palace in the Green Zone.
Local media also reported demonstrations in Iraq's second
biggest province of Basra following Sad's resignation.
'Leaving politics for good'
The leader of the Sadrist Movement, Moqtada al-Sadr, said in
a tweet today that he is leaving politics and shutting down all political
institutions in response to Iraq’s political deadlock.
He added that all Sadrist movement's institutions would be
closed except for the Shrine of Ali al-Sadr, the Sadr Museum, and the Sadr
family's heritage group.
Sadr wrote: "If I died or got murdered, I ask for your
prayers."
The Sadrist Movement was the largest Shia block in the Iraqi
parliament, Moqtada al-Sadr, its leader announced that he and all his
parliament members resign from the government, launched a series of protests in
Baghdad and other provinces of Iraq against corruption, and demanded holding
early elections.
(NRT Digital Media)