Upon the request of Iraq’s highest clerical authority Ayatollah Ali al Sistani, Iranian born-Iraqi cleric Kazem al Haeri and his accompanying envoy visited Balad, in an effort to boost the moral of Iranian-backed militia Asaib Ahl al Haq (AAH).
Haeri’s visit is considered a clear sign of the support and approval of militia activities by Iraq’s highest ranking religious figures. The men were inundated with blessings and religious words of encouragement, while accusations of crimes against humanity that implicate AAH are yet to be investigated.
Haeri, is also a controversial figure widely known for his close relationship with Iran, where he defected during the early years of the Iran-Iraq Gulf War. He taught in Qum and went onto to mentor Iraqi Shi’i cleric Moqtada al Sadr.
Haeri’s visit is considered a clear sign of the support and approval of militia activities by Iraq’s highest ranking religious figures. The men were inundated with blessings and religious words of encouragement, while accusations of crimes against humanity that implicate AAH are yet to be investigated.
Haeri, is also a controversial figure widely known for his close relationship with Iran, where he defected during the early years of the Iran-Iraq Gulf War. He taught in Qum and went onto to mentor Iraqi Shi’i cleric Moqtada al Sadr.