The announcement came after weeks of tensions and protests that were sparked by al-Sadr’s decision in June to order his entire political bloc to withdraw from the Iraqi parliament in an apparent show of force after months of political stalemate.
At that time, he said his request was “a sacrifice of mine for the country and the people to deliver them from their unknown fate.”
Iraq has struggled to form a new government since October’s parliamentary elections, when Iran-backed Shi’ite blocs lost seats to the Sadrists.
Al-Sadr, who in the past has taken a stand against Iran and the United States, is popular in Iraq. However, his attempts to form a government failed in the months following the election amid opposition from rival blocs.
Finally, in July, the Coordinating Board, the largest Shi’ite alliance in the Iraqi parliament, appointed Mohammed Shiya al-Sudani to lead the country — prompting a wave of protests from al-Sadr loyalists.
Iraqi security forces on Monday urged thousands of protesters to immediately withdraw from within the Green Zone. In a statement, the Iraqi military said it was practicing “the highest levels of self-restraint and brotherly behavior to avoid confrontation or Iraqi bloodshed”.
“Security forces affirm their responsibility to protect government institutions, international missions, and public and private property,” the statement said, adding: “Dealing with peaceful demonstrations is done through the constitution and laws, and security forces will fulfill their duty. duty to protect security and stability.”
The military decreed a complete curfew, including for vehicles and pedestrians, starting at 3:30 pm local time in the capital and 7 pm local time in the rest of the country. The curfew will be in effect until further notice, according to a military statement.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (Unami) also called on protesters to leave government buildings and “allow the government to continue its responsibilities of running the state” for the Iraqi people.
“State institutions must operate unimpeded in the service of the Iraqi people, in all circumstances and at all times. Respect for the constitutional order will now be vital,” Unami said in a statement released on Monday.
The US embassy in Baghdad also urged calm, tweeting that “now is the time for dialogue to resolve differences, not confrontation”.
“The right to peaceful public protest is a fundamental element of all democracies, but protesters must also respect the institutions and property of the Iraqi government, which belong and serve the Iraqi people and must be able to function,” the embassy added.
Source: CNN Brasil
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