Iraq's political figures and groups deplored the US Treasury Department for imposing sanctions on Hashd al-Shaabi (popular forces) leaders, describing the move as clear interference in Iraq's internal affairs. RNA - "We see the move as a flagrant violation of our national sovereignty and meddling in Iraq's internal affairs," Hekmat Fraction said in a statement on Saturday.
Also, Mohammed al-Rubai'e, the spokesman of al-Sadeqoun fraction's political bureau affiliated to Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq group, described the sanctions as a futile move.
"The sanctions are in vain. We did not and will not have any foreign accounts," he wrote on his twitter page on Saturday, adding that the Iraqi popular forces are like thorns in the eyes of the hegemonic powers and will stand against them.
The US has slapped sanctions on a number of Iraqi leaders over allegations they were involved in the abuse of protesters.
Among those targeted by the sanctions is Qais al-Khazali, the head of the powerful Asa'ib Ahl al-Haq (AAH) group.
Also targeted were Khazali's brother Laith al-Khazali, and Hussein Falih al-Lami, the security chief of the Hashd al-Shaabi, the umbrella grouping which includes AAH.
Iraqi Hashd al-Shaabi group has denied any role in the deaths of protesters, who have demonstrated against the government for more than two months.
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