Thousands of supporters of al-Hikma Movement, led by influential Iraqi Shiite cleric Ammar al-Hakim, took to the streets in 14 provinces after sermons on Friday to protest against corruption and lack of basic services.
Hundreds gathered in front of Diyala provincial council's building, calling for reforms.
Rudaw’s Halkawt Aziz reported from Baghdad that security forces blocked the road leading to Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi's office in the fortified Green Zone.
A lack of basic services regularly encourages Iraqis to hit the streets primarily to protest water scarcity and blackouts, particularly in the summer as temperatures can exceed 50 Celsius. Flooding and crop fires have also been a common complaint this year due to heavy winter and spring rains.
Photos: Rudaw