Journalist detained for Internet remarks

(... and it wasn't me!)

Reports the Arab News today:

"Saudi journalist Rabah Al-Quwayi, 24, has been detained by Hail authorities in connection with his writings posted on Internet forums, which they allege place his Islamic faith in doubt.

Al-Quwayi, a reporter for the Riyadh-based daily Shams, has been in Hail police custody since Monday.

... Lawyer Abdul Rahman Al-Lahem announced yesterday that he would be representing Al-Quwayi. The lawyer said he is still unclear who the plaintiffs in the case are; nobody has come forward as the accusers. The commission has the legal right to detain any suspect for up to six months, said Al-Lahem, but the reasons have to be clear.

... The story of Al-Quwayi’s detention goes back to November when he was based in Hail as a part-time reporter for the Okaz newspaper. He said that unidentified people had been tracking his postings on Internet forums regarding religious extremism. His car was subsequently vandalized and a note was left on the dashboard that said: 'In the name of God, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful: This time it is your car but next time it is you. Return to your religion and forsake heresy. This is the last warning.'

... Al-Quwayi said the commission investigators were peppering him with questions that were meant to determine his religious knowledge. He added that commission investigators argued with him on topics he posted on the Internet four years ago."

Let me guess: He's not pro-Islamic extremism. The Saudis have been doing a decent job of raiding terror cells in their country, but what about the extremists who don't resort to bombs but ruin one person's life at a time with such silly charges? Let's hope this story makes more than just the Arab News.

Comments

[Lewis B. Sckolnick]

Bri you just do not understand the Muslim world. The madness in their logic is quite beyond you as you knit away there in LALA Land.

[Bill]

Hmmmmmmm.
"...His car was subsequently vandalized and a note was left on the dashboard that said: 'In the name of God, the Most Gracious and the Most Merciful: This time it is your car but next time it is you. Return to your religion and forsake heresy. This is the last warning.'"
'Sounds like morning and evening on the 405, to me.

Bill