Iraqi PM Declares Public Holiday for Martyred Leader's Funeral Procession
The decision was announced as Iraq prepares to host funeral processions and commemorative ceremonies in the holy cities of Najaf and Karbala, where large crowds of mourners are expected to gather.
The funeral procession for Ayatollah Khamenei drew millions of mourners on Monday in Tehran and on Tuesday in the holy city of Qom.
Following the funeral ceremonies in Najaf and Karbala, the body of the martyred Leader is scheduled to be laid to rest on Thursday at the Imam Reza (AS) holy shrine in Mashhad.
Earlier, Najaf Governor Youssef Makki Kanawi said the ceremonies will include two separate programs. The first, an official ceremony will be held on Tuesday at Najaf International Airport and attended by senior Iraqi officials, including the heads of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, political leaders, members of parliament, and other dignitaries.
The second event, a public funeral procession, is scheduled to begin at 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday from the overpass near Al-Sadr Hospital on Airport Road. The procession will pass through Najaf's old city before concluding at the shrine of Imam Ali (AS).
Kanawi said representatives from the Iraqi Prime Minister's Office, the Joint Operations Command, the Popular Mobilization Units (PMU), and the Iranian ambassador had reviewed the final arrangements, adding that Najaf is fully prepared to host what he described as a historic event.
Source: INA
