Sadrist Movement Calls for Establishment of New Iraq without Militias, Sectarianism

Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather during a protest against the nomination of a rival Shiite faction for the position of prime minister, outside the Iraqi parliament building in the Green Zone in the capital Baghdad, on August 16, 2022. (AFP)
Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather during a protest against the nomination of a rival Shiite faction for the position of prime minister, outside the Iraqi parliament building in the Green Zone in the capital Baghdad, on August 16, 2022. (AFP)
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Sadrist Movement Calls for Establishment of New Iraq without Militias, Sectarianism

Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather during a protest against the nomination of a rival Shiite faction for the position of prime minister, outside the Iraqi parliament building in the Green Zone in the capital Baghdad, on August 16, 2022. (AFP)
Supporters of Iraqi Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr gather during a protest against the nomination of a rival Shiite faction for the position of prime minister, outside the Iraqi parliament building in the Green Zone in the capital Baghdad, on August 16, 2022. (AFP)

A spokesman for the Sadrist movement called on Sunday for the establishment of a new Iraq, devoid of militias, illegal possession of weapons, violence, fighting, sectarianism and warring parties.

“No to sectarian quotas,” said Saleh Mohammed al-Iraqi, a close associate to Sadrist leader Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr.

He urged the establishment of a state of law “where brotherhood prevails, minorities are dignified, the judiciary is honest, balanced ties are forged with the outside, peace can reign, the army can protect, the government can serve, and religions and creeds are respected.”

Iraqi had on Saturday called for holding new parliamentary elections in the country without the participation of all parties and politicians that have been part of the political scene since the 2003 American occupation.

Sadr won the largest share of seats in the October elections but failed to form a majority government, leading to what has become one of the worst political crises in Iraq in recent years.

His bloc later resigned from parliament and his supporters last month stormed the parliament building in Baghdad. His supporters have been holding a sit-in at parliament ever since.



In Absentia Trial of Hemedti Kicks off in Sudan over 2023 West Darfur Governor Murder

This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)
This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)
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In Absentia Trial of Hemedti Kicks off in Sudan over 2023 West Darfur Governor Murder

This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)
This file photo shows Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo in Juba, South Sudan, on Oct. 21, 2019. (Reuters)

A Sudanese court kicked off on Sunday the in absentia trial of Rapid Support Forces (RSF) leader Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, commonly known as Hemedti, his brother Abdel Rahim and 14 members of the group in the murder of West Darfur Governor Khamis Abkar in June 2023.

The Port Sudan court listened to the prosecution’s opening statement. Attorney General Al-Fatih Tayfour described the case as significant and that it underscores the rule of law.

Akbar was killed on June 14, 2023, after he was kidnapped by the RSF. Videos circulated on social media showed his killing and the mutilation of his body.

The presiding judge demanded the maximum sentence against the accused. If indicted, they could either face life in prison or the death sentence.

He said Akbar was killed in cold blood with the participation of his deputy Tijani Al-Tahir Karshom.

The United Nations mission in Sudan had condemned the “heinous” murder, adding that witnesses attested that the “Arab tribe militias” loyal to the RSF had committed it.

It had called for the prepetrators to be brought to justice.

The RSF had denied its involvement in the crime, saying it was a dangerous escalation in local tribal conflicts. It said the criminals were “undisciplined” tribe members, while the army accused the RSF of involvement.