Bahrain arrests top human rights activist following crackdown on protests in country

Manama, May 7 (ANI): Bahrain police officials have arrested several human rights activists following a crackdown on protests taking place across the country.

Bahrain, which is ruled by a Sunni Muslim monarchy, has been under turmoil since February 2011 following pro-democracy revolts in Egypt and Tunisia.ccording to a report, a member of Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) identified as Sayed Yousif Almuhafda revealed that police had arrested Nabeel Rajab, the head of the BCHR, on his return from Beirut on Saturday.

"The police arrested him near the plane's door. He was allowed to call his family, but they could not see him," The Scotsman quoted Almuhafda, as saying.

Rajab has over 140,000 followers on Twitter, which makes him one of the Arab World's best-known online activists.

Rajab appeared in court yesterday on charges of taking part in and calling for illegal gatherings and protests. (ANI)