Saudi blogger freed?

Fouad Farhan, a Saudi blogger was detained without a case for more than 4 months after posting his pro reform opinions. He was jailed last December after organizing an online campaign and over 10 men arrested since February 2007 for being suspected on financing militant groups.

Ahmed al-Omran, who published the news on his website (saudijeans dot org) said, “I spoke to him and he’s in good spirits. He said he was treated really well. 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 (alfarhan dot org) early this month. A spokesman for Interior Ministry was unable to confirm the release and the ministry had declined to make a statement on as to what charges he was arrested but rather answered that it was not security related.

Many online forums, websites, blogs calling for reforms have been blocked by the government.