A rights lawyer says police have detained an activist known for his harsh criticism of the government on charges including insulting President Abdel-Fatah el-Sissi.

Fatima Harb, the wife of Shady el-Ghazaly Harb, told The Associated Press on Tuesday that prosecutors summoned her husband for an investigation into accusations of disseminating false news and insulting the president, among other charges.

She says prosecutors have ordered his release on bail of 50,000 Egyptian pounds, or about $2,810, late Monday. She says the money has been paid but but national security officers have refused to let him go home.

Rights lawyer Doaa Moustafa says Harb's whereabouts are unknown.

It is the latest in a crackdown on the opposition that has led to the imprisonment of tens of thousands of dissidents.