By BARBARA SURK, Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Human rights lawyers say authorities in the United Arab Emirates have detained a fourth activist for advocating democratic reforms in the oil-rich Gulf nation.

Abdullah al-Shehhy had been participating in an online forum calling for free elections in the UAE, an alliance of seven sheikdoms run by ruling families. The lawyers say he was arrested late Friday in Ras Al-Khaima, an emirate north of Dubai.
The spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity for fear of harassment.

The online forum was led by Ahmed Mansour, a blogger and human rights activist who was arrested himself after he signed a petition in favor of an elected parliament.
An outspoken academic and another activist have also been in custody since last week.