The man wrapped the lion in the country’s flag.He was filmed holding the animal by a chain.
The lion briefly lunged in the direction of a small group of men and later rested on the side of the road as his handler crouches beside him.
"Some commenters say they believe the lion was deployed to ward off police dogs used by security forces to keep demonstrations in check.
At one point the lion takes a swipe at a small group of men and then is seen resting by the road as the handler, dressed in a red t-shirt and black jeans, sits down beside him.
Violent protests have erupted in Baghdad since early October driven by discontent over economic hardship and corruption."