The Iraqi parliament has been breached by hundreds of demonstrators for the second time this week.
Followers of the influential Shia cleric Muqtada al-Sadr are marching against the formation of the next administration by political parties backed by Iran.
To prevent individuals from approaching the parliament building in Baghdad’s capital, Iraqi security personnel used tear gas and sound bombs.
Demonstrators, however, used ropes to take down cement barricades leading to the Green Zone’s gate, where official buildings and foreign embassies are located.
Saturday’s skirmishes, according to eyewitness accounts, resulted in multiple injuries.
Raad Thabet, 41, a member of the crowd, stated, “We came today to eliminate the corrupt political class, prohibit them from conducting a parliament session, and stop the framework from forming a government.
“We answered all-call. Sadr’s We are going to the Green (Zone). Regardless of the cost.”
Hundreds stormed the Iraqi parliament on Wednesday to protest Mohammed al Sudani’s nomination as the Coordination Framework bloc’s official candidate.
The coalition is led by Shiite parties sponsored by Iran and their allies.
Mustafa al Kadhimi, the caretaker prime minister, encouraged protestors to “immediately retreat” as he urged people to demonstrate calm and moderation.
Al-party Sadr’s won the general election in October, but he was unable to create a government that excluded his Iran-backed Shi’ite adversaries.
They withdrew from government formation talks in June, so granting the Coordination Framework alliance the necessary majority to proceed.
