Leading human rights activist arrested in Bahrain

Bahrain has arrested a prominent human rights activist and critic of the country’s ruling family, as the authorities escalate a crackdown on protesters.

Bahrain, which is ruled by a Sunni Muslim monarchy, has been in turmoil since activists, mainly from the majority Shiite community, began protests in February 2011 after revolts in Egypt and Tunisia.

Police arrested Nabeel Rajab, head of the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), on return from Beirut on Saturday evening, Sayed Yousif Almuhafda, a member of the BCHR said.

“The police arrested him near the plane’s door. He was allowed to call his family, but they could not see him,” Mr Almuhafda said.

He said Mr Rajab appeared in court yesterday on charges of taking part in and calling for an illegal gathering and march.

Mr Rajab’s 140,000 Twitter followers make him one of the Arab world’s best-known online activists.