Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric urges government to pursue reforms
| Publisher | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty |
| Publication Date | 21 August 2015 |
| Cite as | Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric urges government to pursue reforms, 21 August 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55ee97026.html [accessed 30 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
August 21, 2015
Iraq's top Shi'ite cleric has urged the government to press ahead with reforms and fighting corruption.
In a sermon delivered by a representative on August 21, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani urged the government to continue the reforms and swiftly go after the "big thieves of public funds."
But he cautioned against doing so at the expense of the fight against the Islamic State group, which is holding on to large swaths of Iraqi territory.
Hours after the sermon in the holy city of Karbala, thousands rallied in Baghdad and a string of other cities to press demands for reforms, better services, and an end to corruption.
Baghdad's rally attracted up to 10,000, many waving Iraqi flags and chanting the national anthem.
The rallies in the southern city of Basra, in Karbala and Najaf, also south of the Iraqi capital, were smaller.
Based on reporting by AP
Link to original story on RFE/RL website
