ERBIL, Kurdistan Region of Iraq - Iraqi prominent Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr praised on Monday Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi’s anti-graft arrest campaign, describing it as a “heroic reform campaign” and urging supporters to hold a peaceful rally after Friday prayers in support of the effort.

In a statement, Sadr labeled the arrests as a “heroic reform campaign that has restored hope to our hearts and the hearts of the Iraqi people, after the corrupt had dominated its destiny.”

He said the arrests of individuals accused of corruption were part of a broader reform effort and expressed hope that the campaign would continue, praising the judiciary and security forces for their role in combating “terrorism and corruption.”

Sadr called on his supporters to hold a peaceful rally after Friday prayers next week in support of the campaign, saying the gathering should raise “the banners of reform.”

The crackdown began early Sunday when Iraqi security forces carried out raids inside Baghdad’s Green Zone, detaining 47 lawmakers and senior officials on corruption charges, according to state media.

Those arrested included Sunni Azm Alliance leader Muthanna al-Samarrai, lawmakers Mohammed al-Karbouli, Ziad al-Janabi, Hind al-Abbasi and Mudhar al-Karawi, former Wasit governor Mohammed Jamil al-Mayahi, Oil Ministry Undersecretary Ali Ma’arij al-Bahadli, and Ibrahim al-Sumaidaie, a senior advisor to former Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ al-Sudani.

The Green Zone is home to the US embassy and other diplomatic missions, as well as the residences of many high-ranking politicians.