The Supreme Religious Authority: The political forces in power have a unique opportunity to respond to the demands of citizens according to an agreed roadmap to be implemented within a specified period of time.

The Supreme Religious Authority has stated that the political forces in power have a unique opportunity to respond to the demands of citizens according to an agreed roadmap to be implemented within a specified period of time, to put an end to a long era of corruption, abhorrent quotas and the absence of social justice. And it is not permissible to procrastinate in this area because of the great risks that surround the country.

These were the important points stated in the second sermon of Friday prayer of the 11th Rabi' Awwal 1441 AH, corresponding to November 8, 2019, which was held in the holy shrine of Imam al-Hussayn (peace be upon him) and led by his eminence Sheikh Abd al-Mahdi al-Karbala'i in which he stated:

Dear brothers and sisters, we will read for you the text 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,

The popular protests calling for reform continue in more than one place, manifesting many of the bright images of the qualities of Iraqis and their courage, altruism, patience, steadfastness, solidarity and compassion among themselves. We recall, today the first group of the dear ones whose blood was shed in the beginning of this reformist movement forty days ago, and we pray for mercy on their pure souls, renew the demand to hold accountable killers, extend the condolences to their families and pray for the recovery and wellness for the wounded.

We would like to point out several points:

First, the political forces in power have a unique opportunity to respond to the demands of the citizens according to an agreed roadmap to be implemented within a specified period of time, which puts an end to a long era of corruption, abhorrent quotas and the absence of social justice. And it is not permissible to procrastinate in this area because of the great risks that surround the country.

Second: Maintaining the peaceful nature of the protests in all its forms is of great importance and the major responsibility in this is on the security forces that should avoid the use of violence, especially excessive violence in dealing with peaceful protesters, it is unwarranted and leads to serious consequences.

It was noted that most of the participants in the protests are peaceful, and avoid exposure to security forces, government installations and private property. So the few who continue to attack them has to be directed to stop that, so that the scene of the protests remain pure from everything that might nark it.

Third: The peaceful demonstration is the right of every adult Iraqi, to express his opinion, and demand his right. So, those who wish to participate, can do it and those who do not want, do not participate, and no one has to bind others what he thinks. As it is not appropriate that participation or non-participation provoke the exchange of charges between citizens when there is divergence of opinion, but they should respect each other's opinion and choices.

Fourth: There are internal and external parties that have had a prominent role in the past decades in the serious harm from which Iraq suffered, and the Iraqis were subjected to oppression and abuse, and they may seek today to exploit the ongoing protest movement to achieve some of its objectives. Therefore, the participants in the protests and others should be of great caution against the exploitation of these parties of any gap that allow them to penetrate their gathering, and change the course of the reform movement.

Fifth: Our dear armed forces and those who joined them in the fight against ISIS terrorism and the defense of Iraq as a people, land and sanctities, have a great credit, especially those who are stationed to this day on the border, and the subsequent sensitive sites. We should not forget their merit, and it is not permissible that they hear any word that detracts from their great sacrifices, as if it is possible today to hold peaceful demonstrations and sit-ins away from the harm of terrorists, it is thanks to these heroic men, they have full respect and appreciation.

O Allah, forgive us our sins and our mistakes and stop the evils of the days and times, and the machinations of the enemies. And guide us to your righteous path and your straight path. You are indeed the Hearer of the supplication. And praise be to Allah, Lord of the Worlds, and Prayers and Allah's Peace be upon Mohammad and his pure and virtuous lineage.