Inside the Middle East - Blog
March 31, 2008
Saudi Blogger's Daughter Sends YouTube Message
Every few weeks, I like to revisit the story of Fouad Al-Farhan, a Saudi blogger detained by authorities last December 10th on charges that remain unclear.

Well, 112 days later, he's still in jail and many human rights groups continue to accuse the government of detaining Al-Farhan because he used his blog to openly criticize some aspects of the Saudi regime.

File photo of Fouad Al-Farhan. Courtesy Saudijeans.org.


Here's a development impossible to fathom only a few years ago: I recently came across an "Arab News" article on a video plea made by Al-farhan's nine-year old daughter that was posted - where else - on YouTube.

In it, she says: “Daddy I miss you. When are you coming back home?” File video of 32-year-old Al-Farhan also appears in the clip along with family pictures and videos.

Back in February, Nic Robertson traveled to Saudi Arabia. Check out his in-the-field entry on Fouad Al-Farhan here.
The blog of the detained Saudi blogger Fouad al-Farhan has been blocked today in Saudi Arabia, along with Freefouad website dedicated to Alfarhan’s case. Users trying to access both blogs from Saudi Arabia were met with a notice saying “Blocked URL. Dear User, Sorry, the requested page is unavailable. If you believe the requested page should not be blocked please click here. For more information about internet service in Saudi Arabia, please click here: www.internet.gov.sa”

source: Global Voices Advocacy: http://tinyurl.com/38xqj7
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