Freed Saudi blogger calls prison 'unique'

JIDDAH, Saudi Arabia, April 27 (UPI) -- A popular activist blogger in Saudi Arabia released after four months of incarceration says his imprisonment was a "unique experience."

Blogger Fouad al-Farhan, who was never charged despite four months in prison, said he was treated well while in prison but was dedicated to continuing his online fight for Saudi political reform, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

"I will be blogging soon," Farhan said following his release Saturday.

After being warned by government officials regarding his outspoken Internet writing in support of an activist group, Farhan was arrested Dec. 10.

Interior Ministry officials said the arrest was not related to state security, but offered no additional details on his arrest or release.

One of Farhan's fellow activist bloggers, Ahmed al-Omran, told the Post Farhan's arrest likely had the opposite effect than was intended.

"The arrest was scary and intimidating to bloggers but also empowering. It made bloggers know that their blogs are influential, and now they feel more of a responsibility and take their blogs more seriously," Omran said.