The military has blocked main squares in Cairo and two Metro stations are closed as a precaution ahead of planned pro-Mohamed Morsi “Decisive Friday” demonstrations.
The entrances to Tahrir Square were blocked by the army, while armoured vehicles were stationed next to the Egyptian Museum. Mohamed Mahmoud Street, Talaat Harb Square and Qasr Al-Nil bridge were also blocked.
The military also shut down roads leading to Rabaa Al-Adaweya, including Nasr Street, Tayaran street and Youssef Abbass Street.
A heavy military presence also surrounds the United States embassy.
The head of the metro administration and function corporation announced the temporary shut down of Shohada station, which exits onto Ramses Square. Sadat station, which exits onto Tahrir Square has been closed for several weeks, on orders from the interior ministry. Both stations are transit points between the first and second metro lines, meaning commuters were unable to change lines.
Demonstrations were announced by the National Coalition for Legitimacy, who continue to denounce the ouster of President Morsi on 3 July. Their main sit in in Rabaa Al-Adaweya was violently dispersed on 14 August, while Ramses Square has seen fatal clashes between police and protesters.
The Minister of Interior announced in a television phone call that the ministry would now “allow any sit ins to occur again.”
