INTV, 16 Oct 2013 – Iraqi political factions held Nouri Maliki responsible for the mass killings of the Iraqi people in the series of terrorist attacks that rocked Baghdad and other cities across the country, going on to call on him to step down.

Al-Tagheer TV reported the Iraqiya Coalition led by former Iraqi premier Ayad Allawi lashed out at Maliki’s absurd actions and positions regarding the fact that his son is following up on sensitive cases. The Iraqiya Coalition in its statement called on Maliki to step down to protect the lives of the people and Iraq’s prestige, and hand this post to an individual who can manage the country and supervise over a free and valid elections at its specified timing.

The Ahrar Parliamentary Faction, associated to the Sadr Movement, held Maliki responsible for every drop of blood that is spilled in Iraq. Senior faction member Jawad al-Hasnawi accused Maliki’s State of Law coalition in the Iraqi Parliament of blocking Maliki’s impeachment on the grounds of the country’s security situation.
“Maliki is responsible for the blood that is spilled in Iraq on a daily basis, and also responsible for the continuation of this bloodshed,” he said.
“In my opinion the Iraqi Parliament has failed to hold accountable many senior officials, with Maliki topping the list,” al-Hasnawi added.

Sadrists leader Muqtada Sadr said Maliki has failed and his efforts are focused on a third term as prime minister.
According to al-Rafedein TV, Muqtada Sadr said he never supported Maliki’s candidacy for the prime ministry post. However, pressures were imposed to back him. On Iran’s meddling in Iraq, Sadr said Maliki’s government is working to support Iran and pursue the policies of this regime.

Additionally, Iraqi scholars and tribal sheikhs in Samarra held Maliki’s government responsible for the recent bombings. In their statement they held security commanders fully responsible for the attacks in their city and demanded the return of local police personnel. They also threatened if their demands are not met in 15 days they will launch a general strike.