Iraqi Shia cleric Al-Sadr prohibits followers from any political involvement: Statement

Mohamed Badereldin, Monday 29 Aug 2022

The influential Iraqi Shia Cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr issued on Monday three directives prohibiting his followers from all forms of political involvement, as hundreds stormed government building shortly following his announcing "retirement" from politics.

Supporters of Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr with his poster gather during an open-air Friday prayers near the parliament building in Baghdad, Iraq, Friday, Aug. 26, 2022. AP

According to a statement released by his media office, Al-Sadr prohibited his followers from any involment in the name of the Sadrist current in all political and governmental issues, including all issues pertaining to state and government institutions or their responsibilities.

Second, Al-Sadr prohibited his followers from raising any political banners or slogans in the name of the Sadrist current.

Third, he prohibited followers from using any form of social media or platforms in the name of the Sadrist current.

Earlier on Monday, Muqatada Al-Sadr, 48, announced in a statement posted on social media his retirement from politics, as the country reels from weeks of political turmoil that saw his followers occupy parliament and rivals stage opposing protests.

Shortly after the announcement, hundreds of followers of the influential Shia cleric stormed the government palace in the protected Green zone.

This prompted Prime Minister Mustafa Kadhimi to cancel cabinet sessions, while the Iraqi army announced a curfew for civilians and vehicles in Baghdad.