DHAKA: Supporters of a Shia Muslim cleric have set up camp outside parliament in Baghdad, after thousands stormed the Green Zone secure area.

For the first time in weeks of protests they broke into the area, home to embassies and government buildings, BBC reports on Sunday (MAY 1). 

A state of emergency has been declared.

Demonstrators are angry at delays in approving a new, more transparent government of technocrats.

Supporters of Moqtada Sadr think it would be less corrupt than the current team, which is based on party and religious loyalties.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has called on them to return to designated protest areas. 

BDST: 1150 HRS, MAY 1, 2016
SAS/AKA