Iraq protests continue — in pictures

  • Followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr hold a sit-in protest in Baghdad, Iraq. AP
    Followers of Shiite cleric Moqtada Al Sadr hold a sit-in protest in Baghdad, Iraq. AP
  • Mr Al Sadr told his followers to continue their sit-in protest inside Iraq's government zone. Reuters
    Mr Al Sadr told his followers to continue their sit-in protest inside Iraq's government zone. Reuters
  • The influential Shiite cleric, whose bloc won the highest number of seats in Iraq's elections last year, called for the dissolution of the parliament and early elections. Reuters
    The influential Shiite cleric, whose bloc won the highest number of seats in Iraq's elections last year, called for the dissolution of the parliament and early elections. Reuters
  • Iraqis whip themselves with chains during the Ashura commemoration period outside the Iraqi parliament, as Mr Al Sadr's supporters occupy the building for a fifth consecutive day. AFP
    Iraqis whip themselves with chains during the Ashura commemoration period outside the Iraqi parliament, as Mr Al Sadr's supporters occupy the building for a fifth consecutive day. AFP
  • Ashura, which is usually observed on the streets and around revered shrines, is taking place in the entrance hall of Baghdad's parliament this year. AFP
    Ashura, which is usually observed on the streets and around revered shrines, is taking place in the entrance hall of Baghdad's parliament this year. AFP
  • A Iraqi toddler holds the country's flag inside the parliament building. AFP
    A Iraqi toddler holds the country's flag inside the parliament building. AFP
  • Mr Al Sadr wants to change the system for selecting a new prime minister and has called for a revision of the constitution, which was adopted two years after the US-led invasion in 2003. AFP
    Mr Al Sadr wants to change the system for selecting a new prime minister and has called for a revision of the constitution, which was adopted two years after the US-led invasion in 2003. AFP
  • Mr Al Sadr's followers rest inside the parliament building during the protest. AP
    Mr Al Sadr's followers rest inside the parliament building during the protest. AP
  • Supporters of a political alliance of Iran-backed groups attempt to storm government areas in the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. AP
    Supporters of a political alliance of Iran-backed groups attempt to storm government areas in the heavily fortified Green Zone in Baghdad, Iraq. AP
  • Supporters of the Shiite Co-ordination Framework take part in a counter-protest against Al Sadr loyalists outside the Green Zone. AFP
    Supporters of the Shiite Co-ordination Framework take part in a counter-protest against Al Sadr loyalists outside the Green Zone. AFP
  • Iraqi security forces spray water on Co-ordination Framework supporters to prevent them from storming government areas in the Green Zone. AP
    Iraqi security forces spray water on Co-ordination Framework supporters to prevent them from storming government areas in the Green Zone. AP
  • Co-ordination Framework supporters attempt to storm government areas in the Green Zone in Baghdad. AP
    Co-ordination Framework supporters attempt to storm government areas in the Green Zone in Baghdad. AP
  • Security forces managed to avoid escalation while holding protesters back, after the Iraqi prime minister ordered them to refrain from using live bullets. AP
    Security forces managed to avoid escalation while holding protesters back, after the Iraqi prime minister ordered them to refrain from using live bullets. AP
  • Mr Al Sadr's supporters chant pro-peace slogans during a protest in Basra, Iraq. AP
    Mr Al Sadr's supporters chant pro-peace slogans during a protest in Basra, Iraq. AP
  • Thousands of Mr Al Sadr supporters breached the Green Zone on Saturday to protest against the Co-ordination Framework's candidate for the post of prime minister. EPA
    Thousands of Mr Al Sadr supporters breached the Green Zone on Saturday to protest against the Co-ordination Framework's candidate for the post of prime minister. EPA
  • The Co-ordination Framework called for counter-protests on Monday near parliament, raising fears of possible clashes. EPA
    The Co-ordination Framework called for counter-protests on Monday near parliament, raising fears of possible clashes. EPA
  • Iraqi security forces stand guard as Mr Al Sadr's supporters gather in front of the parliament building in Baghdad. EPA
    Iraqi security forces stand guard as Mr Al Sadr's supporters gather in front of the parliament building in Baghdad. EPA
  • Security forces use water cannon to prevent supporters of the Co-ordination Framework from entering the Green Zone. AFP
    Security forces use water cannon to prevent supporters of the Co-ordination Framework from entering the Green Zone. AFP

Most popular today