Popular blogger freed, friend says

A friend of a popular Saudi blogger said authorities had released the writer months after arresting him without charge.

Fouad Farhan is one of the few Saudi bloggers who uses his real name. His blog discusses freedom, justice, equality and Islamic values, frequently touching on subjects that are sensitive or taboo in Saudi society. After his arrest, a letter was posted on his website saying authorities were after him for writing about political prisoners.

Ahmad Omran, Farhan’s friend, said he learned of the release through a text message sent to his cellphone by Farhan’s wife.