The Ministry of Interior released 859 prisoners on Monday for the anniversary of Sinai Liberation Day, an official ministry statement read.

The decision was based on an earlier presidential decree which states that some prisoners who have received verdicts may be released on the national holiday.

According to the ministry, the prisoners were selected by specialised committees that reviewed prisoners’ files to select those who deserved to be released.

This comes amid ramped up security measures on the streets as protests took place on Monday against the recent maritime demarcation deal between Egypt and Saudi Arabia that would see the transfer of sovereignty of Sanafir and Tiran islands to the latter.

Roads near downtown were shut down by special forces carrying machine guns.

Three journalists were arrested when walking near Tahrir square on Monday. Their whereabouts remain unknown.

On Friday, security forces arrested dozens of political activists in nationwide raids in both public and private places, ahead of the scheduled protest date.