This archive report was first published on 19 October 2019.
On the heels of the seventh-century death of Imam Hussein, Iraq's second-largest oil producer is grappling with corruption and economic woes. The country's rich resources have failed to translate into prosperity for its people, with 410 billion euros pocketed by corrupt leaders over the past 16 years, according to official figures.
As millions of pilgrims, mostly Iraqis and Iranians, converged on Karbala for the Arbaeen pilgrimage, protesters dressed in white waved Iraqi flags and chanted slogans demanding reform and an end to corruption. The annual event marks the end of the 40-day mourning period for Imam Hussein's killing by the forces of caliph Yazid in 680 AD.
Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi's government, formed with the help of Sadr's list, which emerged as the largest bloc in parliamentary elections last year, has faced mounting pressure from protesters. Sadr himself called on his supporters to march in shrouds on Twitter, highlighting the deep-seated anger towards the government.
Despite warnings from Iranian authorities for pilgrims to delay travelling, 3.5 million people, mostly Iranians, officially entered Iraq by land borders by Friday. The pilgrimage saw a rare display of anti-corruption slogans, with protesters denouncing the country's corrupt leaders and demanding jobs and functional services.
As the protest movement continues to shake Iraq, calls have been made for fresh marches on October 25 to mark the anniversary of the government that is the focus of public anger. The country's economic woes and corruption have been a primary theme of the protests, with many Iraqis feeling that the country's rich resources have been squandered by corrupt leaders.
