Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi urged the demonstrators to adhere to peacefulness, non-escalation, adherence to the directives of the security forces and the protection of official institutions, arguing that “continued political escalation increases tension in the streets and does not serve the public interest.”

He stressed that “all legal measures must be taken to maintain order, and the security forces are obliged to protect official institutions.”

The demonstrators, followers of al-Sadr, tore down the concrete barriers and entered the green zone. On the other hand, the Iraqi security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the demonstrators, resulting in a number of injuries.

This escalation comes three days after they entered the parliament building, at a time when the country’s political crisis is becoming more complex. Ten months after the October 2021 early legislative elections, Iraq is experiencing total political paralysis as the country still lacks a new president and a new government.