Rival protests between Sadrist movement supporters and Coordination Framework

Thousands of Sadrist movement supporters, civil society and professional associations launched today, Friday, afternoon a mass protest in front of Iraqi parliament in central Baghdad, to demand dissolution of parliament, and holding early legislative elections. Hundreds of Coordination Framework forces, alliance of Shiite factions loyal to Iran, gathered outside the southern gate of the Green Zone near the suspension bridge in a protest under the slogan “The people protect the state”, to demand rule of law and formation of a consensus government in which everyone participates. Muqtada al-Sadr, leader of the Sadrist movement, demanded the head of the Supreme Judicial Council to dissolve Parliament by the end of next week, correct the course after constitutional deadlines expire, and assign the president to set a date for early elections under certain conditions. Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa Al-Kadhemi called on political blocs to assume the responsibly of resolving the political blockage and start dialogue to settle differences.