Saudi Blogger Freed

The oil ticks are so compassionate.

At least we bloggers in the west have freedom.

For now.

A SAUDI blogger detained without charge for more than four months after expressing pro-reform opinions has been released, a colleague says.

Fouad Farhan was detained in early December after running an online campaign over 10 men arrested since February 2007 on suspicion of financing militant groups, but whose supporters say they are being punished for pro-democracy activity.

"I received a mobile phone message from his wife at 5.30 this morning saying he was released," said Ahmed al-Omran, who published the news on his website (www.saudijeans.org).

"It was surprising. After blocking his website, I thought his detention would go on longer. It's good news."

Saudi authorities blocked Farhan's website (www.alfarhan.org) earlier this month.

An Interior Ministry spokesman said he would not confirm Farhan's release. The ministry had declined to say on what charges he was arrested, but said it was not security related.