Protests in Baghdad, calling for reform

Tens of thousands of people rallied on Friday in Baghdad, heeding a call from Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr, Gulf News reported. 

The demonstrations aim at putting pressure on Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Al Abadi to proceed with his plan to form a cabinet of independent, professional ministers.

As the demonstrators were gathering in central Baghdad’s Tahrir (Liberation) Square, state TV said Al Abadi had asked political blocs in parliament and “influential social figures” to nominate technocrats as ministerial candidates.

Several demonstrators were disappointed with the announcement, saying Al Abadi was caving in to the politicians by asking them to put forward their proposed names.

It is the third consecutive Friday that Sadr’s followers have rallied in Baghdad to demand the replacement of Abadi’s ministers by technocrats not affiliated with political parties.

Source ; MENA