HARARE, Zimbabwe (AP) — Zimbabwe police have arrested a popular pastor after he addressed protesting university students.

Lawyer Harrison Nkomo said Evan Mawarire, a preacher and anti-government activist, was Monday charged with disorderly conduct in a public place.

He said police picked up Mawarire for addressing medical students protesting against a planned fee increase by the University of Zimbabwe.

The lawyer said police were "assessing whether to allow him pay a fine or take him to court."

Mawarire rose to prominence in July 2016 when he used social media to organize the biggest anti-government protest in a decade.

He later left for the United States, claiming his life was threatened after a court dismissed charges against him.

He is due to appear in court on Sep. 25 for allegedly subverting a constitutionally elected government.