A prominent Sunni opposition leader in Bahrain pleaded not guilty Monday at the opening of his new trial for “promoting political change through forceful means,” judicial sources in Manama said.

Sharif, who headed the secular Waed party, was freed on June 19 after spending four years in jail over his involvement in 2011 Shiite-led anti-government protests.

Sharif played a prominent role in the monthlong protests in 2011 and was later among a group of 20 activists tried for plotting to overthrow the rulers of Bahrain.

Opposition sources say the activist was taken back to prison after he criticized the government during a ceremony for a victim of the unrest that has rocked the kingdom.

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