Residents gather at Tahrir Square during a demonstration in central Baghdad
Iraqi protesters in Baghdad's Tahrir Square Reuters

Dozens of pro-reform protesters have gathered in Baghdad's Tahrir Square for the anniversary of the mass protests that left 16 people dead.

Youth and pro-reform movements took to the streets in Baghdad to call for greater political reform and new elections.

Other demands include the improvement of public services, power supplies and job opportunities and for an end to endemic coruption.

"The demonstration is to remind the government that the February Youth [protesters] and the youth of Tahrir Square still continue to protest as long as there are demands that are not realised," said Muayid al-Tayyeb, who led chants at the protest told the AFP.

"A year has passed since the protests and the government has not made any effort to realise the demands of the protesters."

Heavy security was deployed with many soldiers armed with wooden clubs, assault rifles and Kalashnikovs.

Sixteen people died across Iraq last year after protests erupted on 25 February.

Iraq Elections