Some 200 Iraqis have demonstrated in the city of Kirkuk in a show of support for Christians who have faced increased attacks in northern Iraq this month, the associated press reported.
The event was organized by Kurdish groups and took place Sunday near the oldest church in Kirkuk province.
The demonstrators called on the government to help thousands of Christians who recently have been chased from their homes in the nearby city of Mosul, presumably by Sunni insurgents. They urged compensation for the victims and aid for their return.
One of the banners at the demonstration read: "Stop the genocide against Christians."
Iraqi officials say nearly 10,000 Christians have fled Mosul this month.