Iraqi protesters blockade parliament building

DW reports.

Supporters of the leader of the Shiite organization, politician Muqtada al-Sadr, on July 30, stormed the parliament building. The protesters' main demands are creating an independent government, free from foreign influence. In their opinion, the appointed prime minister, Mohammed al-Sudani, is a protege of Iran.

The protesters were confronted by police and security forces, using tear gas and water cannons. According to the authorities, 125 people were injured in various ways during the protest - 100 demonstrators and 25 law enforcement officers.

The security forces must protect the demonstrators, public and private property, prevent violations of the order, and stop the activities of violators. Rumors that the security forces will become part of the unrest are not true, a spokesman for the security forces told Al Sumeria.

At the moment, the situation in Baghdad is stable. Iraqi security forces are monitoring the status to prevent provocations and riots. All roads are free and open. Additional law enforcement forces patrol the city.

Recall that Iraq has been left without a president and prime minister for almost a year after the Sadr Party won the Iraqi elections in October 2021. Muqtada al-Sadr failed to form a government and withdrew his deputies from parliament.