Protests in Iraq started in early October against corruption, a lack of basic services, and unemployment in Baghdad, before spreading to the southern parts of the country. Protesters have been met with deadly force, including the fire of live ammunition rounds and tear gas.The death toll in nationwide protests has soared over 420; over 16,000 people have been injured.

Since anti-government protests began, Tahrir Square has been a safe haven for Baghdad's discontented. Rudaw English correspondent Lawk Ghafuri visited Tahrir on Wednesday to capture its sights.

Artistic protesters have turned the tunnel leading to Tahrir Square into a mosaic of murals. Visitors to Tahrir now also pay a visit to the tunnel to view the artistic side of Iraq's protests.

Many of the murals depict protester demands, while others are dedicated to the power of Iraqi women, reflect the shift in protester demands from calls for anti-corruption measures and improved provision of basic services towards deep-rooted societal change.

Another, now iconic site of protest at Tahrir Square is the Turkish Restaurant. It is a towering building from which protesters are tracking security force movement on al-Jumhuriyah bridge, which connects Tahrir to the other side of the River Tigris - home to the heavily fortified Green Zone, where government and foreign embassies are located.

Photos by Lawk Ghafuri