(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN has received information that journalist Faris Hizam Al-Harbi, who was reportedly detained on 21 April 2004, has been freed. However, an 8 March order banning him from practicing his profession remains in force. International PEN welcomes the journalist’s release, but is seriously concerned that he and many other […]
(WiPC/IFEX) – The WiPC of International PEN has received information that journalist Faris Hizam Al-Harbi, who was reportedly detained on 21 April 2004, has been freed. However, an 8 March order banning him from practicing his profession remains in force. International PEN welcomes the journalist’s release, but is seriously concerned that he and many other journalists in Saudi Arabia are reportedly currently banned from practicing their profession.
According to PEN’s information, Al-Harbi, formerly with the dailies “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” and “Al-Watan”, was arrested by security forces from his home in Al-Khober city, Eastern Province, on 21 April. He was reportedly freed in early May. On 9 March, the Saudi Ministry of Information executed an 8 March order by Crown Prince Abdallah permanently banning Al-Harbi from working as a journalist.
Prior to the banning order issued against him, Al-Harbi, aged 27, had contributed to the London-based Saudi daily “Al-Sharq Al-Awsat” since May 2003, and was reportedly known for his coverage of terrorism following the bomb attacks in the capital, Riyadh. Al-Harbi was previously detained on 7 April 2002 and held for three weeks in solitary confinement on charges of stealing official documents following a report in “Al-Watan” alleging that the kingdom was considering stopping its financial support for the Arab League. During his time at “Al-Watan”, Al-Harbi was reportedly known for his coverage of official corruption.
