Followers of the powerful Shiite cleric, Muqtada al-Sadr, are demonstrating against efforts by Iranian-backed political groups to form the next government. Security forces deployed tear gas and sound bombs in an attempt to prevent people from entering the parliament building in the capital Baghdad. However, protesters used ropes to tear down cement barricades leading to the Green Zone gate – home to official buildings and foreign embassies. At least 60 people were injured in Saturday’s clashes, which canceled an expected session of parliament. Protesters occupied the parliament floor and held up the Iraqi flag and posters of Mr al-Sadr. The protests have erupted as Iraq continues to face political stalemate, with ordinary people suffering the most as a result of the conflict. al-Sadr’s party came first in a general election in October, but did not have a majority. Nine months later, no formal government has been formed. The party abandoned the talks in June after failing to form a government without Shiite rivals – mainly with the support of Tehran. The withdrawal gave the Framework Coordination bloc, led by Iran-backed Shiite parties and their allies – the majority needed to move forward. At least 70 people were injured when protesters stormed the Iraqi parliament on Wednesday to protest the appointment of Mohammed al-Sudani as Iraq’s prime minister by the Coordination Framework. Image: Protesters gather on a bridge leading to the Green Zone area in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad. Photo: AP Mr al-Sadr has insisted that any new government must be free of foreign influence and corruption that has plagued Iraq for decades – and has vowed civil unrest if he does not approve the new regime. One person in the crowds, Raad Thabet, 41, said: “We have come today to remove the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding a parliament session and prevent the framework from forming a government. “We answered al-Sadr’s call. We will go to the Green (Zone). No matter the cost.” Another protester, Abu Foad, said: “We are calling for a government free from corruption and these are the demands of the people.” Use Chrome browser for more accessible video player 0:41 Protesters and police clash in Iraq The political impasse is exacerbated by the fact that Mr. al-Sadr’s loyalists are involved in running the country and hold powerful positions in Iraqi ministries and state organizations. Caretaker Prime Minister Mustafa al-Qadimi urged the protesters to “withdraw immediately” as he urged people to show calm and restraint. A statement posted on his official Twitter account on Saturday said Mr al-Qadimi “directed the security forces to protect the protesters and called on the protesters to remain peaceful in their movement, not to escalate and comply with its instructions security. forces whose aim is to protect themselves and the protection of official institutions”. Read more: Protesters breach Baghdad parliament to protest Iraq’s appointment of prime minister Image: Another protester waves an Iraqi flag as people gather near the Green Belt area in Baghdad Image: AP Image: A protester holds a poster depicting Muqtada al-Sadr on a bridge leading to the Green Belt area Pic : AP Why is Iraq in a political stalemate? Choosing a president and prime minister has been a painfully slow process since Saddam Hussein was toppled by the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003. In March this year, Iraq’s parliament again failed to vote for a president following a boycott by Iran-backed groups. Mr. al-Sadr had hoped that Rebar Ahmed Khalid, a veteran Kurdish intelligence official and interior minister of the autonomous Kurdistan region in northern Iraq, would be elected. But just 202 out of 329 members attended the vote – less than the minimum two-thirds required to elect a new president – while 126 officials boycotted the meeting.
