Al-Sadr announced he is quitting political life for good and closing his political offices — a move that prompted protests by supporters and led to deadly violence.
Gunfire rang out in the Green Zone of the capital Baghdad as al-Sadr followers converged on the government area. At least 10 people have been killed and dozens wounded.
Tensions have soared in Iraq amid a political crisis that has left the country without a new government for 10 months.
Powerful Iraqi Shia Muslim leader Muqtada al-Sadr is said to have announced a hunger strike until the violence and use of weapons stops, Iraq’s state news agency INA and state TV have reported.
There was no immediate confirmation from al-Sadr’s office. Al-Sadr had earlier said he was quitting politics leading to deadly protests.
Iraqi PM al-Kadhimi orders ‘urgent investigation’
Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi has ordered an “urgent investigation” into Monday’s events and stressed that the use of live ammunition by security forces against protesters is “strictly prohibited”, Iraq’s state news agency INA reported.
Al-Kadhimi also called on citizens to “abide by the security instructions and the curfew decision”, according to INA.
UN chief calls for ‘calm and restraint’
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said he is “following with concern” the situation in Iraq, calling for “inclusive” dialogue to end the crisis.
Guterres “appeals for calm and restraint, and urges all relevant actors to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and avoid any violence”, his spokesperson said in a statement.
The Secretary-General @antonioguterres has been following with concern the ongoing protests in #Iraq today.
He appeals for calm and restraint, and urges all relevant actors to take immediate steps to de-escalate the situation and avoid any violence.
— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) August 29, 2022
