Sadiqoun Movement urges State of Law to rein in rhetoric on Maliki nomination

BAGHDAD — The Sadiqoun Movement, the political wing of Asaib Ahl al-Haq, called on State of Law Coalition leaders to control the tone of statements from affiliated individuals and platforms, saying such discipline is necessary to preserve unity within the Shiite Coordination Framework.

The statement comes amid tense social media debates between supporters and opponents of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki’s nomination.

Sadiqoun said it had followed “what was issued by some personalities and pages affiliated with and attributed to the State of Law Coalition, including positions and statements that sparked wide controversy and, in some of their content, went beyond the responsible context required by the nature of the stage and the sensitivity of the circumstances.”

The movement said differences of opinion over the prime ministerial nomination are “natural and legitimate in political work” but urged State of Law leaders to “exert more effort in regulating the discourse issued by parties affiliated with them.”

Sadiqoun also called on its own supporters to avoid escalation or provocation, warning that such actions could “serve the interests of parties that do not want stability for Iraq or cohesion among its national forces.”

The Coordination Framework nominated al-Maliki, who served from 2006 to 2014, prompting debate within Iraq. President Donald Trump said in a social media post that the United States would not continue support for Iraq if al-Maliki returned to office. Al-Maliki stepped down in 2014 under pressure following security failures and the fall of Mosul to the Islamic State group.

On Sunday, State of Law renewed its call on media figures and supporters to adhere to “national and professional responsibility” and refrain from attacking political leaders or religious symbols, saying freedom of expression is “always linked to ethical and national responsibility.”