Sharjah 24 - AFP: Supporters of Iraqi cleric Moqtada Sadr penetrated Baghdad's heavily fortified "Green Zone" and occupied parliament on Saturday in a deepening political crisis.
It is the second time in days that Sadr supporters have forced their way in to the legislative chamber, months after elections that failed to lead to formation of a government.
Supporters of Sadr oppose the recently announced candidacy of Mohammed al-Sudani, a pro-Iran bloc's pick for prime minister.
Demonstrators waved Iraqi flags and pictures of the cleric inside the legislature. They crowded the chamber where some sat at deputies' desks while others milled about, raising their mobile phones to film the occupation.
They entered after thousands of protesters had massed at the end of a bridge leading to the Green Zone before dozens pulled down concrete barriers protecting it and ran inside, an AFP photographer reported.
Security forces had fired tear gas near an entrance to the district, home to foreign embassies and other government buildings as well as parliament.
Some protesters on the bridge were injured and carried off by their fellow demonstrators.
Saturday's demonstration comes after crowds of Sadr supporters breached the Green Zone on Wednesday despite volleys of tear gas fire from the police.
They left two hours later but only after Sadr told them to.
For an optimal experience, please
