The influential Shia Imam Moqtada al-Sadr said Monday that he is retiring from political life in Iraq. He published a statement to this effect on his Twitter page.
"I have decided not to interfere in political affairs, but I now announce my final retirement," his statement reads. The imam also announced "the closure of all the main institutions of his movement's supporters," with the exception of the mausoleum, the memorial dedicated to the activities of al-Sadr's family and, in particular, his father, one of the most revered Shia theologians in Iraq, and the heritage office.
Al-Sadr stressed that all Sadrist leaders are now "free from their responsibilities." The movement's office urged supporters not to interfere in political affairs on behalf of the imam, and banned media appearances and the use of Sadrist slogans and political symbols.
Meanwhile, Al Arabiya reports that supporters of the radical Shia imam are currently gathering in the government's Green Zone in Baghdad. Security forces are using water cannons to disperse them.
Al-Sadr's supporters, who had the largest bloc in parliament, resigned in June. They tried to have parliament dissolved and a new election date set.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: MohammadHuzam/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS