A prominent human rights activist has been arrested by Bahraini authorities, a statement said Saturday.

A statement from Bahrain's Interior Ministry said public prosecutors ordered the arrest of Nabeel Rajab, president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights.

The group has been active in calling attention to alleged abuses by Bahraini security forces and crackdowns such as widespread arrests and workplace purges.

Rajab also was affiliated with international groups such as Human Rights Watch.

The statement gave no other immediate details. Rajab had been previously detained by Bahraini forces last year during the beginning of the uprising.

- Associated Press