A prominent human rights activist in Bahrain has been arrested on charges of insulting the country's ruler and assaulting police officers, a media reports said Sunday.
Maryam al-Khawaja, the co-director of the Gulf Centre for Human Rights, was arrested Saturday at the Bahrain International Airport, Al Jazeera reported.
Daughter of Shia activist Abdulhadi Abdulla Hubail al-Khawaja, who has been in custody in Bahrain since 2011, Maryam was planning to visit her father when she was detained at the airport.
A post on her Twitter account said the activist, a critic of the ruling family, would be held for seven days. She was not allowed to see a lawyer.
Bahrain has been witnessing protests led by Shia Muslims since 2011. Shias, who make up the majority of Bahrain's population, complain of political and economic marginalisation, an accusation the government of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa denies.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app