BAGHDAD, July 30 (KUNA) -- Sadrist movement staged renewed demonstrations near Green Zone in Baghdad on Saturday amidst heightened security measures, barbed wires and cement barricades.
Iraqi news agency reported that protestors flooded Tahrir Square and surrounding areas of Green Zone gates, home of government buildings and diplomatic missions in Baghdad.
Social media users shared photos of protestors crossing the cement barricades, as well as photos of security forces using tear gas bombs and water cannons to counter the flock of protestors, resulting in injuries.
The protestors held up photos of head of Sadrist movement, Muqtada Al-Sadr, and expressed their rejection of Coordination Framework candidate Mohammad Shaia' Al-Sudani.
The demonstrators also called for holding those corrupt accountable.
Proponents of Sadrist movement took to the streets following parliament members' resignations last June, to express opposition to Coordination Framework efforts in forming government.
The protestors occupied parliament building, Wednesday, but in response to tweet from the influential Sadrist cleric, Muqtada Al-Sadr, they withdrew and returned to their homes.
Iraq's Coordination Framework, continues to insist on designating Mohammad Al-Sudani as candidate for Premiership, criticizing Sadrist protests and urging government to take stance in protecting Green Zone and government bodies.
The Iraqi government urged political parties to not plunge it in political disputes especially as it is a caretaker government, in a statement, affirming its readiness to hand over power to an elected government. (end) ahh.aai