'Iraq will be deeply marked by weeks of demonstrations': Top Shiite cleric

While addressing the on-going mass demonstration in Iraq against unemployment, a corruption-ridden political caste and years of armed conflict, top Shiite cleric Ali Al-Sistani on November 15 said that the country will never be the same following the weeks of demonstrations demanding sweeping reform. He also urged the Iraqi authorities to implement reforms that will put an end to the demonstrations.

Al-Sistani asks the government to bring sweeping reforms

During a sermon which is delivered weekly by a representative in the holy city of Karbala, Al Sistani tried to persuade the Iraqi authorities and pressured the government officials to bring certain laws and policies that will meet the demands of the protesters. The demonstrations have displayed acts of violence and aggression. Amid this, it is the responsibility of the government to take the required steps, said Sistani. "If those in power think that they can evade the benefits of real reform by stalling and procrastination, they are delusional," he added. Sistani during his sermon warned the government of the aftermath of the protest movement. He said, "What comes after these protests will not be the same as before, and they should be aware of that."

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Sistani backs demands of protesters, calls them ‘legitimate’

The mass demonstrations in Iraq commenced on October 1. The angry protesters have been demanding a change in the political system. The protest was over a high rate of unemployment and widespread corruption. Sistani during his speech supported the demands of the protesters when they started organising mass demonstrations. He termed their demands as ‘legitimate’. He even told the protesters that it is an honorable way to seek change. He further added that "in response to the protesters' demands, nothing notable has been achieved on the ground so far". 

READ: Fresh Unrest In Iraq Kills 4 Protesters, Wounds Dozens More

About the protest

The protests are mainly directed towards the post-war political system and the class of elite leaders that Iraqis accused of hindering the country's wealth while it is growing even poorer. Along with that, the demonstrators are also angry towards their neighboring country, Iran and the powerful Iraqi Shiite military forces linked to it. The anger among the protesters has often turned the demonstrations violent. A day before they attacked the Iranian consulate, protesters blocked the main roads in Baghdad and parked their cars at major junctions of the city while the police refrained from intervening. Nearly 250 people have been killed amidst frequent clashes with the security forces. However, the protests have grown stronger while calling for drastic changes in the policy and not just the government's resignation.

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