Iraq’s Sadr calls for immediate solution to Basra crisis

Renowned Iraqi Shia cleric, Muqtada Al-Sadr has called for an “immediate and radical” solution to the lack of services in Basra province which have sparked wide protests.

The leader of the Sadrist movement said in a recorded speech broadcast yesterday: “Basra is without water, electricity or services.” He said he was surprised that Iraqi officials were busy debating which “largest parliament bloc” must form a government at this time.

Al-Sadr called on the new parliament to “immediately convene in an extraordinary public session” no later than Sunday to discuss the crisis in Basra, warning that his Al-Sadr Movement will take a “decisive response” if the suffering of the people of Basra is not solved.

Read: Basra’s overstretched health sector faces a water crisis with no help from Baghdad