Cleric condemns use of force as 11 protesters hurt
BAGHDAD — Iraq’s most powerful religious figure Grand Ayatollah Ali alSistani reiterated Friday his condemnation of the use of force against antigovernment protesters as the mass movement enters a critical juncture and political blocs spar over naming a new premier.
Meanwhile, influential and radical cleric Muqtada alSadr called for his followers to return to the street, one week after he withdrew support for antigovernment demonstrators camped out in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square. The move comes one day before a deadline set by Iraq’s president to select the next prime minister runs out.
AlSistani’s comments came as unrest continued in Baghdad, where at least 11 demonstrators were wounded Friday by security forces firing tear gas canisters to disperse crowds, officials said.
The area has become a flash point in the recent escalation staged by demonstrators to refocus public attention on the demands of the fourmonth protest movement after a U.S. air strike that killed a top Iranian general in Baghdad monopolized Iraqi politics.
Protesters had called for Iraqis to take to the streets Friday to revitalize demonstrations and pressure the government to implement a reform agenda after alSadr withdrew his followers from the street last week. AlSadr’s pullout was followed by a security crackdown on protest camps. Tents were burned and at least four protesters were killed in Baghdad and Iraq’s south.
In an apparent reversal of position, alSadr called on his followers to “renew” the demonstrations and return to the street, amid deadlock over the naming of a new prime minister. He said large demonstrations were necessary to pressure political elites to form a new government.
AlSistani reaffirmed his condemnation of the use of violence in his weekly sermon, delivered in the holy city of Karbala through a representative. His opinion holds sway over many Iraqis and elites.