Egyptian forces remove barriers before protest

Egyptian police have removed several security barriers at the entrance to Tahrir Square, in a bid to break up protests, it has been revealed today. Witnesses told Arabstoday that security forces removed railings from Qasr al-Nil Bridge, before retreating to stand guard at the Egyptian Museum in Abdel Moneim Riad Street. The move was apparently intended to disperse a group of demonstrators gathering nearby. A security source from the Interior Ministry refuted the claims, telling Arabstoday that the forces implemented the measure to “facilitate traffic.” He denied that state police forces clashed with protesters while removing the barriers.