OPPOSITION activist Nabeel Rajab appeared in court yesterday for the third time this week.

He is being tried for allegedly insulting the people of Muharraq on his Twitter account on June 9 at the Lower Criminal Court, where he is standing trial in five cases.

Mr Rajab was earlier released on a BD300 bail in connection with a separate case, but remains in police custody in connection with this one.

A complaint was filed against Mr Rajab at the Public Prosecution by 24 retired police officers who live in Muharraq accusing him of casting doubt on their patriotism.

Multiple complaints had been lodged against Mr Rajab, who allegedly suggested the people of Muharraq were government stooges, said a Public Prosecution statement.

However, Mr Rajab pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Defence lawyers requested his release, but the judge denied it. The trial was adjourned to Wednesday for the submission of defence papers.