On 18 September, Watan TV (Badr Organization — affiliated) attributed to Muqtada al-Sadr a statement that he would not remain passive if Najaf’s local government ignored violations and that those who disrespected Najaf and its reputation would receive no respect. The channel subsequently attributed to him a call for reform through complete uprooting and a statement urging traders to avoid prohibited goods and excessive profit because their conduct would be closely monitored.
- Watan TVBadr Organization — affiliated18 Sept, 13:06
“Mr. al-Sadr: We will not stand idly by if the local government in Najaf turns a blind eye to violations; whoever does not respect Najaf and its reputation will not be respected by us.”
السيد الصدر: لن نقف مكتوفي الأيدي إذا ما غضت الحكومة المحلية بالنجف نظرها عن التجاوزات فمن لا يحترم النجف وسمعتها لن نحترمه
- Watan TVBadr Organization — affiliated18 Sept, 13:12
“Mr. al-Sadr urges traders to avoid selling prohibited goods and excessive profit: We will monitor your actions closely.”
السيد الصدر يوصي التجار بالابتعاد عن بيع المحرمات والربح الفاحش: سنراقب أفعالكم عن كثب
- Watan TVBadr Organization — affiliated18 Sept, 13:19
“Muqtada al-Sadr: We call for reform—complete uprooting.”
السيد مقتدى الصدر: ندعو للإصلاح "شلع قلع"
a statement identifying the violations or officials, a deadline, or an organized Sadrist mobilization; any of these moves this file.