Iraqs top clerics warn of foreign interference amid largest anti-government demonstrations yet
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Iraqs Shiite religious establishment on Friday condemned attacks on peaceful protesters after a month of massive anti-government demonstrations in which security forces have killed at least 250 people.
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Tens of thousands of Iraqis gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square on Friday in the biggest demonstrations since anti-government protests erupted a month ago.
Protesters clashed with security forces on two bridges leading from Baghdads Tahrir Square to the heavily fortified Green Zone where the government is headquartered. At least 50 people were injured by tear gas and rubber bullets, according to security and medical officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.
Videos circulated online of a group of protesters smacking their shoes against a poster showing Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and the head of its elite Quds force, Gen. Qassim Soleimani, with their faces crossed out. The video appeared to have been taken in Tahrir Square on Thursday. Many protesters have directed their rage at Iran, which has close ties to powerful political parties and state-backed militias.
This months protests in Iraq and similar demonstrations in Lebanon are fueled by local grievances and mainly directed at political elites, but they also pose a challenge to Iran, which closely backs both governments. An increasingly violent crackdown in Iraq has raised fears of a backlash by Iran and its allies.
Ahmed al-Safi, delivering a Friday sermon on behalf of the countrys top clerics, said that they condemn “attacks on peaceful protesters and all forms of unjustified violence,” and that those responsible should be held accountable.
He also said authorities should not allow “any person or group or biased entity, or any regional or international party” to impose its view on the Iraqi people — an apparent reference to Iran.
Masked men opened fire
The sermon was delivered in the Shiite holy city of Karbala, where masked men suspected of being linked to the security forces opened fire on protesters earlier this week, killing at least 18.
The protests are fueled by anger at widespread corruption, high unemployment and poor public services. The protesters have called for the resignation of the government and sweeping changes to the political system established after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion.
Iraq has held regular elections since then, but they have been dominated by sectarian political parties, many of which areRead More – Source
