Sheikh Ali Salman, leader of Bahrain's opposition movement, has been arrested

MANAMA, Bahrain, Dec. 28 (UPI) -- Sheikh Ali Salman, the leader of Bahrain's opposition movement, has been arrested by the government.

Salman participated in an anti-government rally with thousands of other Shia Muslims from the al-Welfaq movement on Friday. The government is controlled by a Sunni Muslim monarchy that has spoken out against the al-Welfaq movement. Salman was summoned for questioning by the General Directorate of Criminal Investigation and officially arrested on Sunday.

Members of al-Wefaq and government law enforcement fought near Salma's home after the arrest was announced. He is allegedly being charged with inciting anti-government actions.

"It is most necessary to immediately and unconditionally release its Secretary General; Shaikh Ali Salman, and respect and stop targeting political activism," al-Wefaq said in a statement.

In another statement the group said Salman appeared for questioning whenever summoned because he has "confidence in the integrity of his legal position."

Salman's lawyer, Abdullah al-Shamlan, tweeted he has been prevented from defending his client.