Shiites protest US presence in Baghdad

"Down with America," chanted the 200-odd protesters led by clerics in front of American marines deployed around Baghdad's Palestine Hotel on Wednesday.

Scores of Iraqi Shiites shouted their rejection of the US military presence in front of American marines deployed around Baghdad's Palestine Hotel on Wednesday.

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"Down with America," chanted the 200-odd protesters led by clerics, including one with the black turban usually worn by descendants of Islam's Prophet Mohammed.

"We want real freedom" and "The Iraqi people themselves must choose their rulers," read two of the banners raised by the protesters.

Marines kept reporters at bay.

The protesters had their backs to Al-Fardus Square where a giant statue of Saddam Hussein was toppled after US forces seized Baghdad a week ago, symbolising the end of the Iraqi leader's 24-year rule.