The popular demonstrations that broke out on July 8 in Iraq’s southern province of Basra have started again. 7 protesters lost their lives when security forces opened fire on the demonstrations yesterday, and dozens of civilians were wounded. Shia leader Muqtada Al Sadr issued a statement on his social media accounts and protested the attack by security forces. Sadr said there are “secret hands” over the security forces.

“YOU’VE CAUSED ENOUGH HARM TO THE PEOPLE”

Shia leader Muqtada Al Sadr called on security forces who intervened with the demonstration by people taking to the streets due to a lack of services in the Basra province and said, “I advise you not to test our patience.”

Sadr said: “The tragedy of our aggrieved Basra saddens us. The thing that really gets to me is that the secret hands over the security forces intervened with the civilian protesters illegally.”

Sadr said Basra must be rid of corruption, sectarianism and militias and added: “You have caused enough harm to Basra and its people.”