The death toll in Iraqi protest reached 12, as violent clashes between the protestors and police broke out on Friday. Ten people were shot dead in a protest northern provinces, whereas two in western Anbar province.

Inspired by recent demonstrations in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya hundreds took to the streets of Iraqi capital Baghdad on Friday protesting against government. The turbulence has deepened as the people called for protest movements via Facebook and mobile phone messages.

Iraqis were holding a “day of rage” demanding better social conditions, end to corruption and unemployment, Al Jazeera reported.

There is a small Armenian community in Iraq estimated at about 15,000. Most of them reside in Baghdad, but there are also communities in Mosul, Basra, Kirkuk and Dohuk.