After Moqtada al-Sadr, the leader of the al-Sadr movement, announced his final retirement from political work, as Iraq plunged into a deep political crisis, in a scene reminiscent of last month’s Sri Lanka, Sadr’s supporters poured in. Palace of the Republicans in Baghdad on Monday.
Broadcast scenes showed demonstrators in the halls and pool of the palace, which is located in the fortified green zone.
Protesters who took control #IraqThe Presidential Palace swims in its own pool to cool off in the sweltering summer #Iraq pic.twitter.com/BHs69fvlPj
— Soran (@sorankhateri) August 29, 2022
It is worth noting that Sadr had announced his permanent retirement from political work early on Monday in a sudden decision. And he explained in a tweet on his Twitter account that he has decided to retire and close all his current institutions except the shrines, the museum and the cultural heritage organization.
He also hinted that his life might be in danger because of his reform project, and asked his fans to pray for him “in case he dies or is killed.”
Sadr’s decision in the midst of the possibility of declaring civil disobedience, especially since the flames of the protests reached Basra and Dhi Qar provinces in the south of the country, prompted thousands of his supporters to rush to the Green Zone.
Meanwhile, the executive committee of the Sadr movement announced the end of its control over the street demonstrations, opening the Iraqi scene to all possibilities.
It is worth noting that this retirement phase comes at a critical time, especially since the political crisis since the last parliamentary elections held on October 10, 2021, intensified in July 2022 with the deepening of the differences between the Sadr movement and The coordination framework that includes Nouri Maliki, Fatah coalition and pro-Iran factions and parties.
A month ago, supporters of the Shiite leader camped out near the Iraqi parliament in Baghdad, while rubber supporters gathered near the entrance to the Green Zone, seeking to press for their demands.
While the Sadr movement demands the dissolution of parliament and the holding of parliamentary elections, its opponents have been insisting on forming a government and then holding new elections.
Source: Lebanon Debate
