Iraq’s Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has condemned an anti-government protest that turned violent in the capital's Green Zone. He vowed that all perpetrators, who stormed government buildings, will be "pursued" by the judiciary.

"What happened today, in storming the government's facilities and tampering with public property, cannot be accepted, nor can any complacency be taken with the perpetrators. The law must take its course with every transgressor," Haider al-Abadi said.

Abadi made the comments in a televised address Friday night after the violence. He said Iraq is now at a critical juncture in its fight against extremist groups, adding that chaos in the capital will do no good to the country or the people. He urged protesters to show restraint, and stressed the government will make big efforts to continue political reforms and complete a cabinet reshuffle. On Friday afternoon, hundreds of anti-government protesters stormed Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone. Security forces fired tear gas and gunshots in the air.