Muqtada al-Sadr threw his support behind the government’s anti-corruption campaign on Monday. He described the effort as a “heroic reform campaign” and urged Iraqis to join a peaceful rally after Friday prayers. His statement marked another major political endorsement for the government’s ongoing crackdown on corruption.
Sadr shared his remarks through a statement published on X. He praised the recent arrests of officials facing corruption allegations. Furthermore, he expressed hope that authorities would continue their efforts without interruption.
“The arrests against the corrupt are a heroic reform campaign that we hope will continue,” Sadr said. He also stated that the recent actions had restored hope among Iraqis after years of frustration over corruption.
In addition, Sadr praised Iraq’s judiciary and security institutions for their role in the operation. He gave special recognition to the Counter Terrorism Service for supporting the investigation and arrests.
Moreover, Sadr called on Friday prayer leaders to organize a peaceful demonstration following this week’s prayers during Muharram. He urged participants to carry only Iraqi flags and banners representing Imam Hussein. He also discouraged the use of any other political symbols.
Sadr remains one of Iraq’s most influential Shia religious and political figures. Although he withdrew from parliamentary politics in 2022, he still commands significant grassroots support. His followers remain especially active in Baghdad’s Sadr City and many southern provinces.
Meanwhile, Muharram holds deep religious significance for Shia Muslims. During the month, millions commemorate Imam Hussein ibn Ali, who died in the Battle of Karbala in 680 AD.
The latest statement followed a large security operation that authorities launched on Sunday. Officials announced dozens of arrests involving current and former government officials. They described the operation as the first phase of a broader anti-corruption campaign targeting high-level corruption cases.
State media reported that investigators based the arrests on confessions from Deputy Oil Minister Adnan al-Jumaili. Authorities also said they released the first group of 15 names linked to the investigation. Officials added that investigators currently hold 47 suspects and plan to announce more identities later.
Earlier this month, authorities detained Jumaili over alleged financial irregularities within Iraq’s oil sector. However, officials have released few additional details about the investigation. Despite that, state media has repeatedly connected Sunday’s arrests to information gathered during his questioning.
Political support for the government’s efforts continues to grow. Former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki welcomed the operation and described it as a long-awaited step. He also encouraged the government to continue pursuing corruption cases.
Similarly, Sunni leader Khamis al-Khanjar voiced support for the crackdown. His endorsement reflected growing backing from different political groups across Iraq.
However, not every political bloc responded in the same way. The Azm Alliance urged authorities to respect judicial procedures throughout the investigation. The alliance also warned against reaching conclusions before courts complete the legal process. Its leader, Muthanna al-Samarrai, appeared among those named during the investigation.
As Iraq’s anti-corruption campaign expands, political leaders continue to closely monitor its progress. The coming weeks may determine whether the government’s crackdown leads to broader reforms and greater public confidence in state institutions.
