'Friday of Salvation': Egypt erupts in protest as thousands demand Sisi's removal for second week

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".

Videos from the nearby city of Qena also purported to show streets filled with people demanding Sisi's departure from power.

People in Warraq, an island in the Giza governorate near Cairo, defied the ramped-up security campaign, protesting directly outside the police station chanting anti-Sisi and anti-military slogans.

Videos also surfaced of protesters in Qena ripping up Sisi banners.

As predicted, the demonstrations have been met with push-back from the regime, with reports security forces have used tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The regime forces have also blocked off the metro stations and roads leading to Tahrir Square, the centre of the 2011 uprisings.

A video from Ramses Square, where the central train station is situated, shows truckloads of armed security forces being deployed to search passers-by.

Meanwhile, the regime has organised its own counter-protests in Nasr City, bussing thousands of people from their workplaces while reportedly paying them an extra two days' wages for attending.

Attendees of the pro-Sisi rally were also given a free meal, pictures of which circulated on social media.

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.