- Title: Iraq's powerful Sadr says he quits politics, fuelling uncertainty
- Date: 29th August 2022
- Summary: WOMAN HOLDING PICTURE OF SADR MAN SITTING WITH PICTURE OF SADR
- Embargoed: 12th September 2022 12:28
- Keywords: Iraqi cleric Iraqi politics Moqtada Al-Sadr Shi-ite cleric leaving politics
- Location: INTERNET / NAJAF AND BAGHDAD, IRAQ
- City: INTERNET / NAJAF AND BAGHDAD, IRAQ
- Country: Iraq
- Topics: Lawmaking,Middle East,Government/Politics
- Reuters ID: LVA005124529082022RP1
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text: Iraq's powerful Shi'ite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr said on Monday (August 29) he was quitting politics and closing his institutions in response to an intractable political deadlock, a decision that could fuel instability.
"I hereby announce my final withdrawal," Sadr said in a statement posted on Twitter, criticising fellow Shi'ite political leaders for failing to heed his calls for reform.
He did not elaborate on the closure of his offices, but said that cultural and religious institutions would remain open.
Sadr has previously announced withdrawals from politics or government and the disbanding of militias loyal to him but retains widespread control over state institutions and still has a paramilitary group with thousands of members.
He has often returned to political activity after similar announcements, although the current political deadlock in Iraq appears harder to resolve than previous periods of dysfunction.
The current impasse between Sadr and Shi'ite rivals has given Iraq its longest run without a government.
Sadr's party the Sadrist Bloc came first in an October election, but he withdrew his lawmakers from parliament in June after he failed to form a government of his choosing - one where he threatened to exclude powerful Shi'ite rivals close to Iran.
Supporters of the mercurial cleric then stormed Baghdad's central government zone. Since then, they have occupied parliament, halting the process to choose a new president and prime minister.
Monday's announcement raised fears that Sadr's supporters might escalate their protests without their leader to closely control them, which could further destabilise Iraq.
(Production: Kristian Brunse, Nuha Sharaf) - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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