Iraqi protesters stormed Baghdad’s fortified Green Zone on Wednesday to voice their opposition to Shia parties linked to Iran nominating a new prime minister.
The state news agency said that protesters were able to enter the Green Zone after dismantling several concrete obstacles.
A summons from Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi to demonstrators was issued.
The leader of the Sadrist movement, Saleh Muhammad al-Iraqi, said: “I stand in regard and respect. Please accept my sincere gratitude for this great spontaneous message of reform and change. ”
It’s more vital to keep you safe than anything else.” He said to the protesters, “If you wish to withdraw, I will respect this decision.”
Meanwhile, according to an Iraqi news agency, demonstrators have begun to leave the parliament building.
Mohammad al-Sudani was named as prime minister by the Coordination Framework, a group of Shia parties with ties to Iran, on Monday.
Muqtada al-Sadr, the radical Shia cleric whose party won last year’s general elections, opposes al-Sudani’s nomination.
In the coming days, Iraq’s parliament will convene to choose a new president from 25 contenders. A new prime minister must be appointed in this manner.
After the withdrawal of al-parliamentary Sadr’s group in June, al-nomination Sudani’s is expected to be accepted by the parliament.
