Blogger Fouad al-Farhan released from Saudi jail

[bushmeister0]

"You cannot expect people to believe in the promise of a better future when they are jailed for peacefully petitioning their government. And you cannot stand up a modern, confident nation when you do not allow people to voice their legitimate criticisms,"

-- George W. Bush

CNN:

"Al-Farhan, 32, was detained in December, ostensibly because he supported several reform advocates accused by the Saudi government of supporting terrorism.

The American Islamic Congress, which pushed for his release, said al-Farhan was simply expressing opinions and had advocated against terrorism.

A Web site set up to push for al-Farhan's release announced he was free on Saturday: 'Fouad is free. He is back home in Jeddah after 137 days in custody.'

The Saudi government has not officially commented on his release."

http://www.cnn.com/2008/WORLD/meast/04/27/saudi.arabia.blogger/index.html?iref=24hours

Of course, I'm sure the US was right there threatening our good Saudi friends with God knows what to get him released right?

Not so much . . .

"The Bush administration in January expressed its concerns to the Saudi government regarding al-Farhan's detention at 'a relatively senior level,' said U.S. State Department spokesman Sean McCormack."

Uh huh . . .

AFP:

"(McCormick) said it was it was from someone like an assistant secretary of state or a deputy assistant secretary of state."

Wow! I guess neither Condi or Darth got around to mentioning Farhan when they were over there.

Oh well, I'm sure Farhan needed the time in solitary to learn the errors of his ways: Never blog in Saudi Arabia under your own name.

[Ian David]

1. When you blog in Saudi Arabia, you should always sign your name as Jack Mehoffer or Dick Pinch. n/t

[UndertheOcean]

2. Good !