Updated

A Charlotte, N.C., man says he was arrested unfairly on a traffic violation because police were worried he would organize protests during the Democratic National Convention.

His lawyer says police claim his name showed up on a terrorist watch list.

Police arrested James Ian Tyson on Sunday morning for allegedly driving with a suspended license. Tyson says he was only a passenger in the car.

Tyson's lawyer, Derek Fletcher, says a police report of the arrest claimed his client was on a terrorist watch list and should be held until the convention ends Thursday. Tyson says he's an activist with the Rainforest Action Network. He thinks he was targeted by police to stop him from organizing protests.

Police did not immediately respond to telephone message and emails sent Tuesday.