by WorldTribune Staff / 247 Real News August 29, 2022
Protesters, many chanting anti-Iran slogans, stormed the Iraqi presidential palace in Baghdad on Monday after an influential Shi’ite cleric announced he would resign from Iraqi politics.
![](https://www.worldtribune.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/bagpal.jpg)
At least five protesters were killed in clashes with security forces, The Associated Press reported. Medical officials said at least 15 protesters were wounded by gunfire and a dozen more were injured by tear gas and physical altercations with riot police.
The protesters were supporters of cleric Muqtada al-Sadr, whose party won the largest share of seats in October parliamentary elections but not enough to secure a majority government.
Al-Sadr had pushed a nationalist and reform agenda that would significantly reduce Iran’s influence in Iraq. His supporters are calling for the dissolution of parliament and early elections without the participation of Iran-backed groups.
Al-Sadr had refusal to negotiate with his Iran-backed Shi’ite rivals.
An Associated Press photographer reported hearing gunshots being fired in the capital on Monday and saw several protesters bleeding and being carried away. A senior medical official confirmed at least five protesters were killed by gunfire.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi demanded that al-Sadr call on his followers to withdraw from government institutions. He also announced Cabinet meetings would be suspended.
Al-Sadr announced his withdrawal from politics in a tweet, and ordered the closure of his party offices.
#BREAKING Iraqi protesters have stormed the presidential palace in Baghdad, chanting anti-Iran slogans such as “Iraq’s Federal Court in Hands of Iran’s IRGC”. pic.twitter.com/oJoJSDdXEq
— Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) August 29, 2022
#Iraq‘s Presidential palace, moments ago. pic.twitter.com/eZG5oZIu56
— AbuAliEnglish (@AbuAliEnglishB1) August 29, 2022
Tear gas is heavily used inside the Palace. #Iraq #Baghdad pic.twitter.com/kNvPZNMP9U
— Tammuz Intel (@Tammuz_Intel) August 29, 2022
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