Tiran and Sanafir islands: Security stepped up in Cairo ahead of planned protests

The Egyptian authorities on Monday stepped up security in capital Cairo in anticipation of planned demonstrations against a recent government decision to cede sovereignty of two Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia.

Cairo’s downtown area saw particularly tight security, especially near Tahrir, Talaat Harb and Abdel-Moneim Riad squares -- all of which have served as protest venues in the past.

Police patrols combed the areas, subjecting passersby to arbitrary inspections.

The public squares were ringed by armored police vehicles and personnel from Egypt’s central security forces, who are typically deployed to counter street demonstrations.

Security forces also sealed the streets leading to the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate’s downtown headquarters, a frequent venue for previous demonstrations...
 [aa.com.tr]
25/4/16
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Related:

• Tiran and Sanafir islands: Protests in Egypt against Red Sea islands deal, vow to return on 25 April