Thousands of Iraqis defied warnings from authorities and rallied in the heart of Baghdad ob, renewing pressure on the Government to carry out reforms targeting corruption and sectarianism.
Although protests over the past year have resulted in repeated promises of reform, little in the way of concrete progress has been made, as those in a position to effect change benefit from the existing system.
Populist Shia cleric Moqtada al-Sadr, who had called for the demonstration, made a brief appearance at the rally in Tahrir Square, which was packed with flag-waving protesters.
Protesters fought to get closer for a glimpse of the cleric but he quickly departed, and his remarks were instead read out by another speaker.
Sadr called for measures including the dismissal and trial of corrupt officials, an end to sectarian and political party quotas through which positions are divvied up, and the formation of a government of technocrats, according to the remarks.
He has organised repeated protests calling for reforms, during which demonstrators have on several occasions breached Baghdad’s Green Zone, a fortified area that is home to key government institutions and foreign embassies.