Iraq: Protest planned to take place outside the Swedish embassy in Baghdad from 17:00 June 30

Event

Prominent Shi'a cleric Muqtada al-Sadr has called on his supporters to stage a demonstration outside the Swedish embassy in Baghdad from 17:00 June 30. The demonstration is in response to the Swedish government permitting the burning and desecration of a Quran in Stockholm June 28. In response to the planned demonstration, the Finnish embassy, which is based in the same compound as the Swedish, has evacuated its staff. Other diplomatic missions near the Swedish embassy may also evacuate their staff in the coming hours.

Increased security and localized transport disruptions are almost certain near the Swedish Embassy through June 30. Clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if demonstrators are overly disruptive or if they ignore police orders to disperse.

Context

Salwan Momika, an Iraqi refugee in Sweden, set fire to a copy of the Quran outside Stockholm's central mosque on June 28. Multiple Islamic countries condemned the act. On the afternoon of June 29, a crowd gathered outside the embassy after al-Sadr called for an "angry" protest, in addition to demanding the removal of the Swedish ambassador. During the protest on June 29, the crowd briefly entered the building, remaining inside for approximately 15 minutes before withdrawing from the embassy grounds after Iraqi security forces deployed to the area. Regarding the protest scheduled for June 30, al-Sadr has called on his supporters to refrain from entering the grounds of the embassy as well as from burning the Swedish flag.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to the potential for clashes. Heed instructions of security personnel and leave the area immediately at the first sign of any confrontation. Allow additional time to reach destinations near the affected area on June 30.