Iraqi protesters storm parliament for 2nd time this week

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Hundreds of followers of an influential Shiite cleric breached Iraq’s parliament on Saturday, the second time in a week, to protest the government formation efforts led by Iran-backed groups.

“Today there will be no session, a session that a prime minister will be chosen who belongs to outside agendas and work on the budget of his party and does not create a government that looks after the interests of people,” said protester Abbas Falah.

Iraqi security forces used tear gas and sound bombs to try to repel the demonstrators and caused several injuries, witnessed by journalists for The Associated Press. An expected parliament session did not take place and there were no lawmakers in the hall.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi directed security forces to protect demonstrators and asked them to keep their protest peaceful, according to a statement.

Video also showed protesters standing on top of barriers waving flags, while helping each other to scale the barricade. Police fired tear gas and sprayed the protesters with water as the sound of stun grenades rang throughout.