World Bulletin/News Desk

Supporters of ousted president Mohamed Morsi staged a protest outside a main court compound in downtown Cairo on Saturday against the planned trial of Egypt's first civilian leader.

Waving banners criticizing the trial and the military, protesters used drums to denounce what they describe as the "military coup" against the elected president.

Some protesters wore T-shirts bearing the bright yellow "Rabaa sign" in memory of the hundreds of demonstrators killed in mid-August during the violent dispersal of pro-democracy sit-ins.

The area has turned into a military encampment with anti-riot policemen deployed around the court compound, according to eyewitnesses.

Saturday's protest, called by the National Alliance for the Defense of Legitimacy, Morsi's main support bloc, is part of activities planned by supporters of the ousted president ahead of his trial.

Morsi, Egypt's first freely elected president, was ousted by the powerful military on July 3 following mass protests against his presidency.

The ousted leader is due to appear in a court on Monday to face "incitement to violence" charges,allegations supporters say are politically motivated.

On Friday, the pro-democracy bloc appealed to the Egyptian people to continue peaceful rallies until the day of Morsi's trial.

It also called on "free people around the world to protest outside Egyptian embassies and consulates" on Monday.

If Morsi is brought to trial, it will be the first time for the ousted president to be seen in public since his removal.