Saudis admit to locking up blogger

The Saudi government has admitted to detaining a blogger, Fouah al-Farhan, the New York Times reports.

Well known for criticising the Saudi regime, al-Farhan has been locked up since December 10. He is "being questioned about specific violations of nonsecurity laws," according to Gen. Mansour al-Turki, an Interior Ministry spokesman.

According to an Amnesty International report on Saudi Arabia, in 2007, "peaceful critics of the government were subjected to prolonged detention without charge or trial. There were allegations of torture, and floggings continued to be imposed by the courts. Violence against women was prevalent and migrant workers suffered discrimination and abuse."

At least 39 people were executed in Saudi Arabia in 2007, using a sword, according to Amnesty International.

Yet our royal family, and government, fete the Saudis. According to the Guardian, Tony Blair himself leant on Lord Goldsmith to halt an inquiry into BAE corruption. Blair wilted under pressure from Saudi princes, who allegedly threatened to cut diplomatic ties -- and a lucrative BAE arms deal -- if the Serious Fraud Office inquiry were not stopped. Goldsmith eventually complied, and called off the hounds.

Amazing, the power of oil money to halt freedom of speech.