Important: The statement of the Supreme Religious Authority about the current situation in Iraq.

In the second sermon of Friday prayer of the 3rd Rabi' Awwal 1441 AH corresponding to November 1, 2019, which was held in the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) and led by his eminence Sayed Ahmad al-Safi, he stated:

Dear brothers and sisters, I will read for you the statement we have received from the office of his Eminence Sayed al-Sistani in Najaf:

In the name of Allah the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful,

As popular protests calling for reform continue in Baghdad and a number of other provinces, this week we witnessed painful and unfortunate new clashes between the beloved protesters and the security men and others.

This has resulted in more innocent bloodshed and large numbers of casualties on both sides, in addition to the burning and looting of many public and private property.

The bloodshed that has been happening over the past few weeks is precious to all of us, and it is necessary to work to prevent further casualties, and to not allow the country to be dragged into the abyss of infighting, chaos and devastation, which is possible if all cooperate to resolve the current crisis with sincere intentions and souls full of love for Iraq and concern for its future.

The religious authority reiterates its well-known position on condemning the exposure of peaceful demonstrators to all kinds of unjustifiable violence, and the need to hold those responsible to account, and stresses the concerned parties not to involve combat forces -under any name- in dealing with sit-ins and peaceful demonstrations, for fear of being drawn into further violence.

Respecting the will of Iraqis to determine the political and administrative system of their country, through the holding of a referendum on the constitution and the periodic elections of the House of Representatives, is the principle that the religious authority has adhered to and emphasized since the change of the previous regime, and today it affirms that reform -albeit an inevitable necessity as it has been stated more than once-.

However, the necessary reform, which must be carried out in this regard, is also entrusted to the selection of the Iraqi people of all origins and backgrounds from the northernmost to the southernmost point of the country. And that no person, group or entity with any particular orientation or any regional or international party has the right to confiscate the will of the Iraqis and impose their opinion on them.

We appeal to all parties to reflect on the present and future of Iraq, not letting transient emotions or special interests prevent them from taking the right decision in this regard, which is in the interest of this country, its goodness and prosperity.

And Allah guides to the right and grants the success.