Manama: A lawyer in Bahrain says a human rights activist has been freed on bail after more than two months in custody on charges of posting false news on Twitter.
The case is seen by opposition groups as part of expanding internet crackdowns by authorities in the kingdom, which has faced nearly two years of sporadic unrest over demands by opposition activists for a greater political voice.
Lawyer Mohammad Al Jishi says activist Yousuf Al Muhafedha was released on Thursday on bail of 100 dinars (Dh1,301). His trial was set for January 29.
Al Muhafedha, a senior figure with the Bahrain Centre for Human Rights, was taken into custody in early November on allegations he fabricated details about demonstrations in Manama.