Hundreds of protesters flocked on Friday to Tahrir square in central Baghdad, then headed for Karadat Mariam square, to perform Friday prayer at the Green Zone which includes the headquarters of the parliament, government, presidency along with Arab and foreign embassies at an invitation from Shi'it cleric Muqtada Sadr.

Police and army forces imposed strong security measures in the area.

Thousands of protesters rallied in Karadat Mariam square at Sadr's invitation.

Sadr called on Iraqis to gather in central Baghdad to perform Friday prayer under the rubric of "unity and reform".

Source: MENA