Egypt beefs up security for protest

ROUGH CUT - NO REPORTER NARRATION

Egypt stepped up security on Friday (November 28) ahead of expected protests that are feared to escalate into violence.

Egypt's ultra-conservative Islamist Salafi Front group called on supporters to demonstrate while carrying the Koran to defend what they say is the nation's 'Islamic identity'.

Protests have been banned in the country and the past year has rarely seen demonstrations.

Armoured vehicles and soldiers were seen stationed in Cairo's Tahrir Square, the Rabaa al-Adawiya mosque and near other key locations.

Armed forces shut down the area surrounding the defence ministry and the presidential palace, the state news agency said.

Metal barriers and barbed wire could also be seen in some streets that lead to targeted installments like the headquarters of the interior ministry.

Intense security measures were also seen in Alexandria, the country's second largest city.

Many Islamists were jailed after t