Protesters in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad have now left the heavily-fortified Green Zone, having being camped there for more than 24 hours. Before they departed, however, they issued demands for political reform and pledged to return by the end of the week to keep up the pressure.
"From a position of strength, the masses are announcing their withdrawal from the Green Zone out of respect for the pilgrimage of Imam Moussa ibn Jaafar. If this demand is not met, the people would then use all legitimate means, that begins with storming the headquarters of the three executive branches, or civil disobedience and going on strike," said spokeswoman for protesters.
BAGHDAD, April 30, 2016 (Xinhua) -- Followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr are seen in central Baghdad, Iraq on April 30, 2016. Thousands of followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr on Saturday stormed the heavily fortified Green Zone in central Baghdad and took control of the parliament building and surrounding areas, while dozens of lawmakers, officials and employees tried to escape the government district. (Xinhua/Khalil Dawood)
Supporters of Shia Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, the protesters' demands include a parliamentary vote on a technocratic government, the resignation of the president, prime minister and parliamentary speaker, and new elections.
Iraq has endured months of wrangling prompted by Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's attempt to replace party-affiliated ministers with technocrats as part of an anti-corruption drive. The parliament has failed to approve the proposal amid scuffles and protests.
On Sunday hundreds of Iraqi protesters stayed put at the Green Zone in Baghdad - a restricted area that houses the nations' parliament, presidential palace, prime minister's office and several embassies.
These men are protesting the parliament's failure to reform a political quota system.
On Saturday - weeks of demonstrations came to a culmination point when thousands of furious men marched, chanting, flags raised high forcefully they brought down a cement wall and stormed the parliament.
For several hours the parliament building was transformed into a site of celebration protesters singing and taking photos in lawmakers' seats.
Many are angry with the parliamentarians they believe are corrupt.
"This parliament that calls itself the representative of the people has destroyed the private and public belongings of the nation and its' people," said a Iraqi protester.
These protesters are the supporters of Shi'te Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr who had called on them to pressure the government and who later warned he could bring down the whole administration. His backers emphasize they want better representation.
"We request politicians who understand politics to be in political positions. Politics is for politicians. People requested this in peace, not with weapons or violence," said a Iraqi protester.
Following the take over, Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi toured the vandalized parliament building inspecting the damages with security officers. He later declared a state of emergency. Meanwhile protesters signaled the protests have not yet ended.
Aside from brief scuffles between protesters and security forces, the demonstrations are under control at the moment - yet, the unrest is expected to linger as the people of Baghdad continue to insist for reform.
