UN warns Egypt's military 'to change approach to protests' as massacre fears loom

"I urge the authorities to radically change their approach to any future protests, including those that may take place today," UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet said in a statement, insisting that "all those arrested and detained solely for exercising their rights should be released immediately."

Thousands of Egyptians took to the streets to protest against Sisi's regime in Giza, Qena and Luxor on Friday afternoon.

Dubbed "Friday of Salvation" by online activists, the protests mark the second week in a row Egyptians have made a rare public demonstration against the government currently marred by corruption allegations.

Protesters took to the streets despite a vast security campaign deployed last week, which has so far arrested over 2,070 people suspected of taking part in the demonstrations.

Footage circulating on social media showed crowds of people marching in Luxor chanting "Leave, Sisi".

The track record of the regime's brutal crackdowns and previous massacres against dissidents has led to fears that the Sisi regime will inflict mass violence on protesters.

Egyptian businessman-turned-viral video sensation Mohamed Ali has led calls for protests from his self-imposed exile in Spain. He alleges Sisi's military regime squandered billions on extravagant palaces and residences while the country falls into economic turmoil.

In his latest video, he urged Egyptians to stage demonstrations after Friday protests.

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