Top Iraq court says it cannot dissolve parliament as stalemate continues

FILE PHOTO: Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr speaks during a news conference in Najaf, Iraq, August 30, 2022. Sadr office/Handout via REUTERS

BAGHDAD (Reuters) -Iraq's top court ruled on Wednesday it could not dissolve parliament, a key demand by powerful cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and his millions of followers and an important sticking point in a power struggle that caused bloody clashes in Baghdad last month.

The Federal Supreme Court said in a statement parliament must dissolve itself if it is deemed to have not performed its duties. Iraq’s parliament is a powerful body that chooses a president and prime minister and must approve all laws.