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Middle East
Sadr calls for anti-US protests
Shia cleric calls on Iraqis to demonstrate against 'occupation' on April 9.
Last Modified: 03 Apr 2008 14:35 GMT

The Mahdi Army fought Iraqi security forces,
backed by the US, last week [AFP]


Muqtada al-Sadr, the Shia cleric, has called on Iraqis to take to the streets next week in massive anti-US protests.  
 
A statement from the office of the cleric said that the marches would take place in major centres across the country, marking five years of the toppling of Saddam Hussein.
Iraqis have been urged to join the condemnation rally, to be held on April 9, in large numbers.
 
"Sunnis, Shias, Kurds and Arabs, must express their rejection and raise their voice against the tyrant occupier," al-Sadr said in the statement.
Islamic glory

"Express your rejection by participating in this demonstration."

"Carry Iraqi flags that show the unity of Iraq."

"Do not ignore this protest as it is for the glory of Islam and victory of the grieving  Iraqi people," the Shia leader said.

Iraq has remained tense since clashes erupted recently between security  forces, backed by US troops, and al-Sadr's Mahdi Army.

Last week, the Mahdi Army fought fierce battles with the Iraqi security forces in the southern city of Basra and in Baghdad, after Nuri al-Maliki, the Iraqi prime minister, launched a crackdown on the outfit.

The fighting ended on Sunday after al-Sadr told his fighters to withdraw.

Earlier in 2004, al-Sadr had launched two fierce rebellions against the American military, before entering the political process.

Source:
Agencies
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