Egyptian security and military forces have deployed around Cairo, closing off traffic in some major roads and in the city centre ahead of protests by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi, Belfast Telegraph said.

The Friday August 23 rallies are a test of whether Morsi's supporters can keep up their pressure despite an intensive security crackdown on the Muslim Brotherhood, from which he hails.

They come a day after deposed autocrat Hosni Mubarak was released from prison, adding to tensions.

Hundreds of Brotherhood members, including the group's leader, have been detained and hundreds killed in some of the worst bouts of violence since 2011.

Morsi supporters have kept up their campaign since his July 3 ousting. But rallies have petered out in recent days. Recent protests have descended into clashes with security and citizens, resulting in hundreds of deaths.