[1] In early 2011, following the self-immolation of young Tunisian merchant Mohamed Bouazizi, a series of pro-democratic uprisings swept the Middle East, later to be known as the "Arab Spring".

[2] In March, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa declared martial law and a three-month state of emergency.

[3] Following the arrests of some protesters, Altajer coordinated a team of 25 defense lawyers to help those activists in incommunicado detention.

[1] Altajer was arrested without a warrant on 16 April 2011 at his home in Manama by more than 20 masked security officers,[5] in front of his wife and children.

[6] Amnesty International also called for the dismissal of charges against him, designating him a prisoner of conscience during his detention.