Sayed Yousif Al Muhafda, a leading figure at the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, was detained for joining the opposition marches marking the death of two activists in the 1990s – his second arrest since November, another campaigner said.
The island kingdom, the base of the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet, has been in turmoil since pro-democracy protests led by its Shi’ite Muslim majority erupted last year inspired by revolts across the region.
Earlier this month, Bahrain’s opposition groups welcomed a call by the Crown Prince for dialogue. But meetings have not started and the unrest has continued.
Dozens of protesters shouted anti-government slogans in the streets of Manama’s old market area then fled into alleyways pursued by police, witnesses said.
Up to 100 men and women marched in another street but were also dispersed, they added. Police used at least two stun grenades to break up crowds, but there were no direct clashes with security forces, said people at the scene.
The authorities have stepped up efforts to end the unrest in recent months and several activists have been arrested or jailed for organising or taking part in unlicensed protests.
