At least 1,000 people calling for the death of detained former Iraqi president Saddam Hussein paraded through central Baghdad, displaying posters of relatives killed during his years in power.

Death to Saddam, death to the Baath party", they chanted as they marched down a main road in the Iraqi capital followed by others in trucks.

Brandishing posters of executed loved ones and holding banners proclaiming "Our goals are peace and freedom", the protesters wound their way peacefully to gather around central al-Tahreer square.

No no Baath party! Yes yes Iraq!" they chanted, led by a band of men shouting into loudspeakers.