International PEN is seriously concerned about the detention of Internet writer Amad Fouad Al-Farhan, who has been held without charge since December 10, 2007. He may be held for his writings in support of political prisoners in Saudi Arabia. PEN seeks details of any charges against him and seeks assurances of his well-being. PEN calls for his immediate and unconditional release if detained in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Background Information

Internet writer Amad Fouad Al-Farhan was detained by Saudi security agents on December 19, 2007, at his place of work in Jeddah. His laptop was confiscated from his home.

In an e-mail sent to friends before his arrest, Al-Farhan stated that he had been warned by the Saudi Interior Ministry that he would be "picked up in the coming two weeks" and questioned. In the same e-mail he speculated that he could be questioned about comments recently made on his weblog in support of the rights of political prisoners in Saudi Arabia.

Write A Letter

  • expressing serious concern about the arrest of Internet writer Amad Fouad Al-Farhan and seeking details of any charges against him;
  • seeking assurances of his well-being and urging that he is granted full access to his basic rights, including family visits and his lawyer;
  • calling for his immediate and unconditional release if detained in violation of Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Send Your Letter To

Minister of the Interior
His Royal Highness Prince Naif bin Abdul Aziz
Ministry of the Interior
P.O.Box 2933, Airport Road
Riyadh 11134
Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Fax: +966 1 403 1185

Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Commander of the National Guard
His Royal Highness Prince 'Abdullah bin 'Abdul 'Aziz Al-Saud
Royal Court
Riyadh
Saudi Arabia

Please copy appeals to the diplomatic representative for Saudi Arabia in your country.

Please contact PEN if sending appeals after February 15, 2008: ftw [at] pen.org