January 03, 2008
Saudi Arabia Arrests Popular Blogger
Egyptian Sandmonkey via Via Pajamas Media:
PJM Cairo: Saudi authorities stormed the offices of Fouad Al-Farhan on Dec. 10, seized him without explanation and have held him ever since. His presumed crime - daring to blog about the arrests of human rights activists and calling for reform. Sandmonkey reports that cries of “Free Fouad!” are echoing across the Arab blogosphere and international media - but the Saudi press remains silent....The free Fouad website is here. Below is a banner that you can add to your sidebar with a link to the Free Fouad website to show your support....According to reports by the Arab Bloggers Observatory, the Saudi authorities stormed Farhan’s office and took him without explaining or saying anything. The Saudi Interior Ministry confirmed on Dec 31 that Farhan was being held. Its spokesman, Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki , said that the blogger was being detained for “interrogation for violating non-security regulations.” Farhan’s wife later went on the record, giving a very different version for his arrest.
Fouad’s arrest was directly linked to his blogging activities. He may remain in custody for a one-month investigation period. After that his family will be allowed to visit him and be informed about his case and the possible charges that might be brought against him. Fouad is apparently being held, without charge or trial, at the Ministry of Interior’s security service (al-Mabahith al-‘Amma) headquarter in Jeddah. He has been arrested at his office in Jeddah and had been led to his home where police confiscated his laptop computer.
By Howie at 10:25 AM |
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