For the second occasion in a week, hundreds of devotees of a powerful Shiite cleric broke into the Iraqi parliament to denounce efforts by groups with Iranian support to establish a government.
Demonstrators slowly tore down cement barriers guarding the entrance to Iraq's Green Zone, which is home to government offices and international embassies, using ropes. They came to voice their opposition to the future administration being formed by groups with support from Iran.
Security personnel repelled the demonstrators as they approached the parliament building by using gas canisters and sound bombs. The Associated Press journalists witnessed numerous injured people. A typical session of parliament was anticipated.
In an effort to disperse the protesters, Iraqi security forces fired sound bombs and tear gas, which resulted in multiple injuries that journalists with The Associated Press saw. There were no lawmakers present, nor did the anticipated parliament session occur.
According to a statement, Mustafa al-Kadhimi, the prime minister of Iraq, ordered security personnel to shield protesters and requested that they maintain civil disobedience.
In June, Al-party Sadr's withdrew from discussions about forming a government, giving his adversaries in the Coordination Framework alliance the majority they required to continue.
In the days preceding Ashura, which honours the passing of Imam Hussein, the Prophet Mohamed's grandson and one of Shiite Islam's most significant leaders, many demonstrators donned black clothing. Protests have been sparked by Al-messages Sadr's to his supporters using this significant day in Shiite Islam.Al-Sadr has exerted pressure on his opponents using his substantial grassroots support.
Following the Framework alliance's nomination of Mohammed al-Sudani for the position of prime minister on Wednesday and their indication that they were prepared to form a government in spite of his threats, hundreds of his supporters stormed the parliament building.