Demonstrations erupted in the capital Baghdad and in several provinces across Iraq on Tuesday and Wednesday over unemployment, government corruption and the lack of basic services.

Sporadic protests continued on Thursday, despite the curfew that was imposed in Baghdad and several other cities. The curfew will remain in place "until further notice," the Iraqi authorities said.

Authorities have imposed an internet blackout and shut down 75% of the internet across the country, according to various NGOs.

Before announcing the curfew in Baghdad, Prime Minister Adil Abdul-Mahdi held an emergency meeting on Wednesday with members of the national security council to discuss the "unfortunate events," according to a statement released by his office.

"The Council stressed that appropriate measures should be taken to protect citizens and public and private properties," the statement said, adding that the government will make all efforts to meet the legitimate demands of the demonstrators.