Hundreds of followers of an influential Shiite cleric breached Iraq’s parliament on Saturday, the second time in a week, to protest the government formation efforts lead by Iran-backed groups.
Iraqi security forces deployed tear gas and sound bombs in a bid to prevent people from entering the parliament building in capital Baghdad.
But demonstrators used ropes to pull down cement barricades leading to the gate of the Green Zone - which is home to official buildings and foreign embassies.
Eye witnesses said several people have been injured in the clashes on Saturday.
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One person among the crowds, Raad Thabet, 41, said: "We came today to remove the corrupt political class and prevent them from holding a parliament session, and to prevent the framework from forming a government.
"We responded to al-Sadr's call. We will go to the Green (Zone). No matter the cost."
Hundreds stormed the Iraqi parliament on Wednesday in protest against Mohammed al Sudani being nominated as the official nominee of the Coordination Framework bloc.
The coalition is led by Iran-backed Shiite parties and their allies.
Caretaker prime minister, Mustafa al Kadhimi has urged protestors to "immediately withdraw" as he urged people to show calm and restraint.
Al-Sadr's party won a general election in October but he failed to form a government which excluded his Shi'ite rivals - mainly backed by Iran.
They left talks to form a government in June - handing the Coordination Framework alliance the majority necessary to move forward.
By Rabiu Olugbenga