Latest news with #al-Sadr
Shafaq News
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Sadr rejects mediation: Election boycott stands
Shafaq News – Baghdad Patriotic Shiite Movement (PSM) leader Muqtada al-Sadr remains resolute in his decision to boycott Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections, despite ongoing mediation efforts by leaders within the Coordination Framework (CF), sources told Shafaq News on Sunday. With direct communication stalled, the CF, a major Shiite bloc, has sought the help of senior cleric Mustafa al-Yaqubi—a figure respected by both sides—in hopes of reopening dialogue and breaking the deadlock. Still, a source close to al-Sadr's residence in Najaf dismissed the likelihood of any progress. 'Any new mediation attempt is doomed to fail,' the source said, reaffirming that al-Sadr has no plans to reconsider his stance. First announced in March, the boycott of this election was recently reiterated in a statement outlining conditions for potential participation, including disarming armed groups, empowering the army and police, protecting Iraq's sovereignty, and prosecuting corrupt officials.
Shafaq News
19-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Muqtada al-Sadr signals return to Iraqi politics
Shafaq News – Baghdad The Iraqi Patriotic Shiite Movement, led by Muqtada al-Sadr, is seriously considering participation in the upcoming 11 November parliamentary elections, a senior official from the movement revealed on Saturday. The figure, speaking to Shafaq News on condition of anonymity, cited al-Sadr's recent tweet—'We elect the lamp of guidance, and board the ship of salvation'—as more than symbolic. 'This tweet marks a clear turning point, reflecting renewed momentum in our commitment to addressing the concerns of the Iraqi people,' he explained, emphasizing the movement's ongoing opposition to corruption, foreign influence, and sectarian governance. While participation in the elections is under active consideration, any decision will be based on a comprehensive national reform vision that prioritizes public interest over factional gains. 'Our goal is not to seek power for its own sake, but to advance a national project that restores dignity to the people and strengthens the legitimacy of the state,' the official added. A final announcement is reportedly expected within days. In Iraq's 2021 parliamentary elections, al-Sadr's bloc secured 73 seats, becoming the largest parliamentary group. However, in 2022, he unexpectedly withdrew from political participation over corruption allegations. Observers note that a potential return could disrupt current political calculations and even affect the timing of the upcoming vote.
Shafaq News
15-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Sadr's demands challenge the Coordination Framework
Shafaq News – Baghdad Muqtada al-Sadr's latest proposal was a key focus of the Coordination Framework's recent meeting, where the Shiite political alliance reviewed developments in Iraq's electoral landscape and discussed the implications of al-Sadr's conditions. A source familiar with the meeting told Shafaq News that the discussions focused on the implications of al-Sadr's conditions, which include sweeping reform measures that directly challenge the policies of several Framework factions—most notably, the call to place all weapons under state control and to restructure the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) under a new legal and security framework. 'Some leaders within the Framework believe they have observed early signs of a quiet convergence between al-Sadr's agenda and the stance of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on key issues,' the source revealed, adding that those leaders reportedly fear that al-Sadr may offer indirect support to al-Sudani in the upcoming elections. The Framework also emphasized the need to counter any shift in Shiite voter sentiment that could threaten its current dominance in parliament. Muqtada al-Sadr recently declared his disavowal of dozens of political and military figures linked to his movement for deciding to contest the upcoming elections—scheduled for November 11, 2025—in defiance of his formal call to boycott the vote.
Shafaq News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Al-Sadr resists outreach as Iraqi elections near
Shafaq News – Baghdad Prominent Shiite leader Muqtada al-Sadr remains committed to boycotting Iraq's upcoming parliamentary elections, a source within the Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) revealed on Thursday. Despite "discreet" efforts by rival Ammar al-Hakim to engage him in dialogue, "all communication channels remain closed, making contact with al-Sadr extremely difficult," the source told Shafaq News. That position, however, could shift, according to the source. If al-Sadr's demands are accepted by the CF and the State Administration Coalition*, the Independent High Electoral Commission may be asked to reopen registration for his movement's candidates. Meanwhile, political analyst Atheer al-Sharaa told Shafaq News that al-Sadr's recent publication of documents from his former alliance with Masoud Barzani and Mohammed al-Halbousi signals 'an outright rejection' of renewed consensus politics. One of his core demands, al-Sharaa explained, is the full disarmament of all factions—including his own Saraya al-Salam—a condition several armed groups have already rejected. Even if the Patriotic Shiite Movement returns to the race, a repeat of the 2021 scenario—when it won the most seats then withdrew—is unlikely. 'They won't risk [public unrest] with another exit unless they secure clear, binding guarantees from all parties,' al-Sharaa said. For now, al-Sadr continues to publicly reaffirm his boycott, despite mounting political pressure. His return, if it happens, could delay the election by up to a year. — مقتدى السيد محمد الصدر (@Mu_AlSadr) July 9, 2025 * The CF, currently the ruling alliance, includes powerful factions such as Nouri al-Maliki's State of Law, Hadi al-Amiri's Fatah Alliance, al-Hakim's National Wisdom Movement, and other groups associated with the Popular Mobilization Forces, while the State Administration Coalition brings together Sunni and Kurdish parties like Mohammed al-Halbousi's Taqaddum and Leader Masoud Barzani's Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP).
Libya Review
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Libya Review
Hannibal Gaddafi Begins Hunger Strike in Lebanese Jail
Hannibal Gaddafi, son of the late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has decided to begin a new hunger strike in Lebanon to protest his prolonged detention without trial since 2015. The decision was revealed in a statement from his family, published on Wednesday and confirmed on Thursday by Lebanese outlet L'Orient-Le Jour. Hannibal, who was kidnapped from Syria and handed over to Lebanese authorities in 2015, faces accusations related to the 1978 disappearance of Lebanese Shiite cleric Musa al-Sadr in Libya. Hannibal was only two years old at the time of Sadr's disappearance. Despite the absence of formal charges, he has remained in custody for nearly a decade. According to an informed source, the hunger strike is viewed as 'the only means' left to advance his legal case. Hannibal has previously undertaken similar protests, resulting in hospitalisation, most recently in June 2023. The family statement accused Lebanese authorities of ignoring repeated calls by Libya's Ministry of Justice for Hannibal's release. The ministry reportedly sent a memorandum expressing willingness to cooperate in the al-Sadr case, but Lebanese judicial authorities have yet to act. Labeling the detention as 'arbitrary,' the Gaddafi family said it holds the Lebanese government 'fully responsible, legally and humanely, for Hannibal's health and safety.' They warned that his continued imprisonment without due process could have severe consequences. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has met with the al-Sadr family since his recent election and vowed to pursue the case. Al-Sadr is widely respected in Lebanon for his efforts to promote unity and shield the country from regional conflicts. As international pressure mounts, the Libyan government continues to demand justice and due process for its citizen held abroad. Tags: Hannibal GaddafiLebanonlibyaMusa al-Sadr
