BASRA, Iraq (AP) — Demonstrators took to the streets in Iraq's second largest city Tuesday to show support for Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki's government, which has weathered over two weeks of angry protests.

The rally in the mostly Shiite port city of Basra appeared to be the largest display of support for the government since primarily Sunni protests erupted last month. Sunni grievances include the detention of prisoners and perceived second-class treatment.

An Associated Press journalist at the Basra demonstration said more than 2,000 people participated, some holding pictures of the Shiite prime minister. At one point, they burned a picture of Izzat Ibrahim al-Douri, the highest-ranking member of Saddam Hussein's regime still at large. He recently voiced support for the Sunni anti-government protests.