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Apologizing on Behalf of Supporters, Al-Sadr Visits Tehran | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Iraqi Shi’ite Muslim leader Muqtada al-Sadr speaks during a sit-in at the gates of Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone . Reuters.


Baghdad- An informed Iranian source, residing in Europe, revealed that the unexpected visit taken by the Iraqi Sadrist Movement leader, Muqtada al-Sadr, to Iran, two days ago, was made for the containment of repercussions to slogans raised by scores of Sadrists (supporters of al-Sadr).

At the Green Zone, an international zone located at the heart of Baghdad, dozens of Sadrists marching at demonstrations demanded that Iran drops its presence in Iraq.

After arriving at the airport in Tehran, al-Sadr was received by the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, Ali Shamkhani, a source told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper.

Having such a high-ranking Iranian official attending al-Sadr’s reception could be read as a reminder that Iran has not forgotten about the latter, the source added.

“However, it also serves as a warning note highlighting that al-Sadr must take Iran into regard; especially after his recent actions seeming to step out from the Iranian principles in Iraq; fore and foremost being the unity of the Shi’ite house (Shi’ites across the world),” the source explained.

In a related development, Amnesty International published a report confirming the presence of illegal makeshift centers for detention in Iraq. Not only that, but the report also shed light on the organization’s delegation visiting one of the centers in Fallujah and finding 700 prisoners locked up for suspected acts of terrorism.

The prisoners were found in shocking conditions. The available space is less than one meter square per person, and bathrooms were built in the jam-packed cells. Sustenance was provided at a noticeably insufficient low rate.

The general situation was reported tremendously horrific.

Iraqi sources perceived that the report will add to Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi’s inconveniences. The Iraqi PM until now faces protests and vast criticism sparked by corruption.