Hundreds of Iraqi anti-government protesters grappled with security forces in a bid to shut Baghdad streets on Monday, a deadline they had given authorities to implement long-awaited reforms.

Axar.az reports citing France24 that rallies have rocked Iraq since October but, fearing they would lose momentum amid spiraling regional tensions, protesters last Monday told the government it had one week to meet their demands or they would escalate.

They have called for early elections under a new voting law, an independent prime minister and for all corrupt officials to be held accountable.

Starting Sunday, young demonstrators in Baghdad and the south began sealing off highways and bridges with burning tires ahead of the following day’s deadline.

Young men wearing helmets and gas masks to protect themselves from flying tear gas canisters set up metal barricades in the street to try to push the riot police back.