After weeks of protests, Iraqi Prime Minister Adel Abdel Mahdi had announced his resignation - now Parliament has accepted the resignation. President Barham Salih is to appoint a successor, reported the Iraqi state television, citing Parliament Speaker Mohammed al-Halbusi.
Abdel Mahdi did not take office until October 2018. According to him, the Cabinet is to continue in office until a successor is appointed. His resignation was the central demand of the demonstrators.
Permanent protests in Iraq
In Iraq, many people have been protesting against the political leadership in several parts of the country since the beginning of October. It is the biggest wave of protests since the fall of long-term ruler Saddam Hussein in 2003. At least 380 people were killed, according to the Human Rights Commission elected by Parliament. Human rights groups accuse the authorities of having used excessive force against the protesters.
The country's top judicial authority, the High Judicial Council, issued an arrest warrant for a military chief on Sunday. General Jamil al-Shammari, according to the Justice Council, had ordered the fatal crackdown on protesters in the southern Iraqi province of Thi Kar. There were at least 32 people killed in clashes with security forces this week.
Al-Shammari, who was responsible there for a report from the state news agency INA for security, was removed from his post on Thursday. In addition, a travel ban was imposed on him.