Iraq: Anti-corruption protests August 4

Event

Iraqi Shi’a cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr has called upon his followers to stage a mass protest in the center of Baghdad, in Tahrir Square, as well as protests in the country’s southern provinces, on Friday, August 4, to denounce widespread corruption.

According to Al-Sadr, a new electoral commission as well as new electoral laws enacted for provinces - the so-called Saint-Lague system - have been ratified by corrupt politicians and, in effect, solely serve the interests of large political parties. On August 2, the new parliament announced the Saint-Lague system would be applied to the upcoming provincial elections set for 2018, a system which favors voting for parties, rather than candidates.

Context

Al-Sadr regularly calls for protests in Baghdad, demanding that the government reform the electoral commission ahead of the 2018 elections. Such protests have resulted in violent incidents. In February 2017 demonstrations left five dead and dozens wounded and in April 2016, his followers stormed parliament inside Baghdad’s Green Zone in April 2016.

Advice

Individuals in Iraq are advised to avoid any form of protest or public gathering, to monitor the situation, and to expect associated traffic disruptions.