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Supporters of the powerful opposition cleric Moktada Sadr entered the Iraqi parliament today, singing and dancing in protest against the government’s candidate for prime minister.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi called on the protesters to “withdraw immediately” from the fortified “green zone” of the city, where government buildings and foreign diplomatic missions are located.<\/p>\n
Sadr’s political group emerged from last October’s elections as the largest parliamentary faction, but still does not have a majority.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the deadlock continues in the country for the creation of a new government, writes the French network AFP.<\/p>\n
The police fired tear gas shots to disperse the protesters, who in any case did not use major violence to enter the parliament with their flags.<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Kadhemi warned in a statement that the security forces will ensure “the protection of state institutions and diplomatic missions” as well as prevent the breakdown of security order.<\/p>\n
Even pro-Sadr officials tried to persuade the crowds to leave, as at least one injured protester was seen being helped away.<\/p>\n
Sadr’s political bloc won 73 seats in last year’s elections, becoming the largest group in the country’s 329-seat parliament.<\/p>\n
The protesters were opposing the candidacy of Mohammed al-Sudani, former minister and governor of the pro-Iranian Cooperation Framework party.
“I am against corrupt officials in power, I am against Sudan’s candidacy because it is corrupt,” said 41-year-old protester Mohamed Ali.<\/p>\n
The political crisis in Iraq started last month after the mass boycott of Sadr’s group.<\/p>\n
Earlier this month thousands of Muslim believers loyal to Sadr attended Friday prayers in Baghdad in a major show of support.<\/p>\n
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