A group called "TeaM KuWaiT HaCkErS" posted on Maliki's website a picture of two women in black weeping and expressing support for Iraqis who it said were fighting oppression.

It compared the Shi'ite premier to neighbouring Syria's President Bashar al-Assad, an ally of Shi'ite Iran, who is battling mainly Sunni rebels in an armed uprising that has killed 60,000 people.

"You want to be like Bashar al-Assad. You are a destroyer. Bashar is finished and victory is very close. God help you sons of Iraq against the tyranny," the statement said.

The prime minister's office said it was working to avoid future hacking. Hackers said it was the second time they had hit the premier's website.

Thousands of protesters have rallied daily since late December.