Iraq: Sadr supporters take to the streets in several provinces, Sadrist official rejects dialogue

Iraq: Sadr supporters take to the streets in several provinces, Sadrist official rejects dialogue
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Update: 02 August 2022 21:48
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Demonstrations of rival political blocs, rejection of dialogue by Sadrist movement exacerbate the political deadlock in Iraq

As the sit-in of the supporters of the Sadrist movement continue in the Iraqi parliament, demonstrations in support of the sit-in began on Monday in several provinces, Iraqi News Agency (INA) reported.

Supporters of the Iraqi opposition leader Muqtada al-Sadr stormed the Iraqi parliament for the second time in the last week on Saturday, forcing their way into the legislative chamber, erecting tents and preparing for a long sit-in, in protest against the prime ministerial candidate of the rival Coordination Framework, Mohammed Shia al-Sudani.

Iraqi political parties have not been able to engage in a bid to form a government almost for 10 months, since the elections last October.

In response to the parliament sit-in, the Coordination Framework also called on its supporters to stage counter-demonstrations, to "defend the state" against the Sadrists' "suspicious coup."

Subsequently, a senior official of the Sadrist movement announced on Monday evening their rejection of dialogue with the Coordination Framework.

Ibrahim Jabiri, head of Sadr office, said that "they will not enter any dialogue with the pro-Iran coalition", claiming that it no longer exists.

“There is nothing called the [Coordination] Framework at all,” he said, adding that separate statements have been made by its members.