During Monday’s demonstrations, hundreds of people tore down cement barriers outside the government palace, penetrated its defenses, and stormed into the marbled corridors.
Muqtada al-Sadr, an influential Iraqi imam, has urged his supporters to withdraw from Baghdad’s government district after violent protests on Monday resulted in the deaths of more than 20 people.
After Mr. al-Sadr announced his departure from Iraqi politics and ordered the closure of his party’s offices, hundreds of protesters invaded the Green Zone in the city, causing clashes with security troops.
Medical officials reported that several demonstrators were wounded by gunshots and another dozen were injured by tear gas and altercations with riot police.
At least 22 people have died, according to officials.
Mr. al-Sadr instructed loyalists to vacate the government sector within an hour, and within minutes of his speech, people could be seen departing.
In a televised message, the cleric stated, “This is not a revolution,” in response to calls for caution and peace from the Iraqi government and the United Nations.
In response to the turmoil, a statewide curfew was imposed at 7 p.m. on Monday, although it was removed the following day.
In October parliamentary elections, Mr. al-party Sadr’s gained the most seats, but not enough to form a majority administration.
Due to Mr. al-refusal Sadr to negotiate with his Iran-backed Shiite rivals and his withdrawal from talks, the country was plunged into political turmoil.
His resignation looked to be in response to the retirement of Shiite spiritual leader Ayatollah Kadhim al-Haeri, whom many of the cleric’s adherents follow.
During Monday’s demonstrations, hundreds of people tore down cement barriers outside the government palace, penetrated its defenses, and stormed into the marbled corridors.
Images depicted hundreds of protestors swimming in the pool of the palace, with some of them clutching a portrait of Mr. al-Sadr.
