Sayyed Sistani Condemns Killings, Kidnappings of Protesters in Iraq

By Staff, Agencies

Iraq's top Shia cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani Friday condemned recent killings and kidnappings of protesters, urging the state to assert control over the widespread use of weapons.

He also called on the armed forces to remain professional, loyal to the state and free from foreign influence, a representative of Sistani said during a sermon Friday in the holy city of Karbala.

Armed forces "must be loyal to the nation, and free from foreign interference," he said.

Iraq has been rocked by anti-government protests for more than two months. More than 440 people have been killed since Oct. 1, according to a Reuters tally.