Anti-govt protesters take over an armored vehicle before they burn it during a demonstration in Baghdad on Thursday. Hadi Mizban/ AP

Iraq’s prime minister has addressed the nation over the turmoil gripping the country, calling on protesters to go home and saying their demands have been heard.

Prime Minister Adel Abdul-Mahdi says that the security measures imposed in the wake of this week’s violence, including the temporary curfew, are “difficult choices” but are needed like “bitter medicine” that has to be swallowed.

Anti-govt protesters help a soldier from the Federal Police Rapid Response Forces to get out of the protest site area after other protesters beat him.

Iraqi security forces have imposed a round-the-clock curfew in Baghdad. Since Tuesday, they fired live rounds and tear gas every day to disperse anti-government protests, leaving 33 people dead and wounding hundreds.

Curfew imposed in Baghdad after deadly protests

The prime minister’s speech was televised early on Friday.

He told protesters their “legitimate” demands in countering corruption and providing jobs have been heard and that it’s “important to help the government perform its duty toward you.”

Associated Press