Iraqi authorities have released 2,626 people held during anti-government protests, the country's highest judicial authority said Sunday.

Axar.az reports citing Anadolu Agency.

In a statement, the Supreme Judiciary Council said 181 protesters are still being held pending investigation.

Iraq has been rocked by mass protests since early October, leaving 460 Iraqis dead and 17,000 injured, according to Iraq's High Commission for Human Rights.

On Dec. 1, the Iraqi parliament accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi amid protests against corruption and poor living conditions.