Thread by @mhusain313

Key points from Ayatollah Sistani's statement dated 7.2.2020 (thread):

Translators note: The Marja'iyah divided the statement into two parts:

a. Recent violent attacks on protesters
b. The latest political developments.

a:

1. Firstly, despite the repeated calls made by the Marja'iyah on the need to reject violence & keep the protests peaceful [and away] from actions that harm people's interest and that lose the solidarity of the people

...this did not prevent the occurrence of the painful incidents that took place over the past few days in which blood was unjustly spilled, the most recent of which took place in the holy city of Najaf.

2. At the same time, the Marja'iyah condemns all attacks and transgressions that have taken place by all sides, and sends its condolences to the families and prays for the wounded to recover quickly.

3. The Marja'iyah also stresses what was indicated in previous sermons: that the official security forces are indispensable in preserving the public order and preventing the country from falling into chaos.

4. The security forces bear the responsibility of maintaining security, stability and protecting the peaceful protesters and protest squares, while also exposing instigators and infiltrators. It is also responsible for protecting citizens from attacks.

5. There is no justification for this responsibility not to be carried out, and no justification for preventing the security forces from doing so, as these issues are at the core of their tasks.

6. This should be carried out with complete professionalism & without the need to resort to violence in dealing with the peaceful protests, and preventing transgressions against its participants.The security forces should also seek to prevent damage to public & private property.

b:

7. Secondly, the Marja'iyah has in previous sermons set out its vision for overcoming the political crisis & has made it clear that the new government should be trusted by the people & should be able to calm the situation and restore the prestige of the state...

...while taking the necessary steps to conduct snap elections in a peaceful atmosphere, away from the influence of money, illegal arms, or external interference.

8. The Marja'iyah here reminds [people] once again that it is not responsible for intervening or expressing its opinion on any of the details regarding the steps taken towards this aim [i.e. the creation of a new government].