The Iraqi capital Baghdad is now under curfew following nationwide protests which have called for more government accountability.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Baghdad on Friday to demand more from their elected leaders.

While most of the gatherings were conducted peacefully, there were sporadic reports of violence.

Security measures have since been tightened with a curfew now in place.

Many of the people demonstrating said they weren't against the current government but wanted it to eradicate unemployment and tackle corruption in the instability and shoddy public services in the country.

Prior to the marches, top clerics had warned against participating in the protests, saying that terrorists could possibly launch attacks against protesters.