Finally after 27 days of Detention, Fouad Al-Farhan’s family was allowed to visit him in prison, Arabnews reported yesterday. This is one sign that there is progress being made. Technically “He is not imprisoned” said Maj. Gen. Mansour Al-Turki, Interior Ministry spokesperson, and the head of the office of National Society for Human Rights (Western Region) agree’s with him. But he can still be held for six months without being arrested, just held
This is sorta ironic that the day it was reported the day ‘Blog Silence Day’ was scheduled

Click here to visit the Free Fouad campaign page

Esra’a on Blog Silence day

The blogging community is planning a “Day of Blog Silence”, asking the international blog community to post a banner graphic with Al-Farhan’s picture and to refrain from making posts today.
“It’s a world wide call for all bloggers not only in Saudi,” said one Saudi blogger who runs the online campaign defending her colleague.

Well this is good, Atleast they mentioned it on the day that it was being held.. a little early head’s-up to the Saudi Community, who don’t read blogs that often, would’ve been nice :S

Family Member Given Access to Detained Blogger AN

Saudi Gazette on Blog Silence Day

From Saudi Jean’s.org:

A list of 25 reasons for blogging in Fouad’s own words.

Why Do We Blog?
1. Because we believe we have opinions that deserve to be heard, and minds that should be respected.
2. Because societies do not progress until they learn to respect opinions of their members. And we would like to see our society progressing.
3. Because blogging is our only option. We do not have a free media, and freedom to assemble is not allowed.
4. Because we want to discuss our opinions.
5. Because we think.
6. Because we care.
7. Because blogging has had a positive effect on other societies and we want to see the same result in our society.
8. Because blogging is a reflection of the life of society members. And we are alive.
9. Because blogging is gaining increasing attention from media and governments. We want them to listen to us.
10. Because we are not scared.
11. Because we reject the cattle mentality.
12. Because we welcome diversity of opinions.
13. Because the country is for all, and we are part of it.
14. Because we want to reach out to everyone.
15. Because we refuse to be an “echo”.
16. Because we are not any less than bloggers in other societies.
17. Because we seek the truth.
18. Because our religion encourages us to speak out.
19. Because we are sick and tired of the Saudi media hypocrisy.
20. Because we are positive.
21. Because blogging is a powerful tool that can benefit society.
22. Because we are affected and we can affect.
23. Because we love our country.
24. Because we enjoy dialogue and don’t run away from it.
25. Because we are sincere.