Situation worsens in Iraq after Shia cleric announced his withdrawal from politics, 3 protesters killed in clashes

Iraq: Muktada al-Sadr, an influential Shia cleric in Iraq, announced his withdrawal from politics on Monday. In response, hundreds of his angry supporters reached the government palace. Violent clashes broke out between al-Sadr’s supporters and security forces, in which at least three demonstrators were killed. Medical officials said that at least 15 protesters were injured in anti-riot police firing during the protests following the Shia cleric’s announcement.

‘Tear gas shells were fired, more than 12 people injured’

He said that the policemen lobbed tear gas shells during this period in which more than 12 were injured. Iraq’s military on Monday announced a citywide curfew aimed at easing rising tensions and allaying fears of clashes. According to a statement, the army called on the cleric’s supporters to immediately withdraw from heavily guarded government territory and exercise self-restraint to prevent conflict or Iraqi bleeding. This raised fears that violence could flare up in Iraq, which is already facing a political crisis.

refused to negotiate with Shia rivals

Iraq’s government has been at a standstill since cleric Muktada al-Sadr’s party won the most seats in October’s parliamentary elections but failed to reach a majority. He had refused to negotiate with Iran-backed Shia rivals to form a consensus government. Supporters of al-Sadr broke into parliament in July to block rivals from forming a government and have been on strike for more than four weeks. His faction has also resigned from Parliament.

Iraqi security forces fire tear gas on followers of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr protesting inside the government palace grounds in Baghdad Iraq

Al-Sadr has already announced his retirement

This is not the first time that al-Sadr has announced his retirement. He has made such announcements earlier as well. Many termed al-Sadr’s move as yet another attempt to gain an edge against rivals amid the current standoff. However, some have feared that his move this time may worsen the situation in the country, which is already bad. On Monday, hundreds of protesters pulled down cement barriers outside the Republican Palace with ropes and broke down the palace gates. Many of them reached the auditorium of the palace. An Associated Press photographer heard gunshots and saw several demonstrators carrying away who were covered in blood.

Three protesters confirmed killed in firing

A senior medical officer confirmed that at least three protesters were killed in the firing. In a tweet, cleric al-Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics and ordered the closure of his party offices. Religious and cultural institutions will remain open. Iraq’s caretaker prime minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi demanded that al-Sadr call on his supporters to withdraw from government institutions. He also announced the suspension of cabinet meetings.

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