Deadly clashes erupt after al-Sadr quits: Iraq Protest
At least 5 people have been killed and more than 40 have been injured in violent clashes that erupted in Baghdad following an announcement by powerful Iraqi Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr that he was withdrawing from political life.
Powerful Iraqi politician Muqtada al-Sadr is reportedly on a hunger strike until security forces’ use of force against his supporters ceases.
Deadly clashes erupt after al-Sadr quits: Iraq Protest
The action was taken in response to al-announcement Sadr that he is permanently leaving politics and shutting his political offices, which sparked demonstrations from his fans and resulted in fatal violence.
As al-Sadr supporters gathered in the Green Zone of the capital Baghdad and besieged the government palace, gunfire erupted there. Hundreds of people have been injured, and at least 30 people have died, according to a medical source.
Iraq’s political crisis, which has left the nation without a new administration for ten months, has caused tensions to surge.
The right to peaceful protest is essential to democracy. However, it goes hand in hand with respect for state institutions and the safeguarding of public and private property. It is imperative that protests remain peaceful and in compliance with the law.
— UNAMI (@UNIraq) July 27, 2022
