A Saudi reformer has been released apparently for health reasons after petitions to free 10 detained in February, but two others have been put on trial in a different case, lawyers and colleagues said on Saturday. Essam al-Basrawi was freed on Thursday, his lawyer Bassem Alem told Reuters. He said it was not clear why the authorities let Basrawi go.
A rights activist who asked not to be named said Basrawi's release was probably temporary and for health reasons. He is confined to a wheelchair and was recently diagnozed with cancer.
Basrawi, a lawyer known for his political reform work, was one of 10 men arrested in February for allegedly collecting donations and giving them to "suspicious elements".
Government officials later claimed their actions involved helping armed groups in Iraq. However, no formal charges were laid.
© 2007 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
