Iraqi security: Clashes in Baghdad have left 3 dead, more than 50 injured
Iraqi local media quoted security sources as saying that three people on both sides were killed and more than 50 injured in clashes between security forces and demonstrators in the Iraqi capital Baghdad on the 29th.
According to reports, security forces opened fire while dispersing the crowd at the Prime Minister's Office in the "green zone", causing injuries.
Earlier in the day, Iraqi Shiite religious leader al-Sadr said on social media, "I have decided not to interfere in political affairs and announced my retirement", and related institutions of the "Sadr movement" he led will also be closed.
Previously, Sadr had been calling for the dissolution of the National Assembly and re-election to break the months-long impasse.
The month-long protests escalated sharply after Sadr's latest remarks.
A large number of Sadr's supporters tore down barricades in Baghdad's "green zone" and stormed government buildings including the Palace of the Republic.
Later, Iraqi Prime Minister Kadimi issued a statement calling on demonstrators to exercise restraint, withdraw from the "green zone" immediately, and obey the instructions of the security forces.
In October last year, Iraq held a new National Assembly election. Out of a total of 329 seats, the "Sadr Movement" won 73 seats, becoming the largest party in the parliament.
On June 12 this year, the members of the "Sadr Movement" resigned en masse after failing to form a majority government.
Since then, the political group dominated by Sadr's opponents in the Shiite camp has become the largest party in parliament, and the party's intended new prime minister has been opposed by Sadr.
Since the end of July, supporters of Sadr have staged demonstrations in several Iraqi provinces amid protests against the new prime minister's nomination.
(Headquarters reporter Sun Hu)