According to the Iraqi Sumeriya news website, a source close to Muqtada al-Sadr who wished not to be named, said the Iraqi cleric is mulling leaving his office and stop his political activities.

The source was quoted as saying that the reason for such decision was pressures from some of his supporters who pushed for picking up weapons and start an armed rebellion against those who threatened Iraq security.

The source added,” Muqtada Sadr has lost faith in making a change after recent instabilities in Iraq security and politician’s silence on violation of people’s rights, and so he has decided to close his office as a sign of protests”.

Sadr is one of the most influential religious and political figures in the country, despite not holding any official title in the Iraqi government.

He is the leader of the Sadr Movement and has stated that he seeks to help establish an Islamic democracy in Iraq.

In July Iraq suffered its deadliest month in five years with the death toll rising 1,057 people according to UN figures.

Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has blamed foreign plots for recent increase of violence in the country.

He warned all political groups to be wise and conciliatory to be able to foil plots aimed at starting a sectarian war in Iraq.

SHI/SHI