Iraq: Prominent Shia Cleric Calls for Anti-government Protest on 19 October

A prominent Iraqi Shia cleric and politician, Muqtada al-Sadr, has urged Shia Muslims to stage anti-government protests during the annual Arbaeen pilgrimage on 19 October. The annual Shia Mulsim religious event witnesses millions of people walk on foot to reach Imam Hossein mosque in the Iraqi city of Karbala (Karbala governorate).

Advice

Spontaneous protests are possible in Shia-majority areas in Iraq. To minimize safety risk, avoid areas of large public gatherings or protests. Even events intended to be peaceful can escalate unexpectedly and quickly become violent. Many countries advise against all travel to Iraq due to the unstable and unpredictable safety and security situation.