Saudi Author Who Supported End of Women Driving Ban Detained

Reportedly does not have access to a lawyer

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Saudi authorities have detained a columnist who supported ending his country's ban on women driving, activists said Wednesday.

The activists, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of retribution, said Tariq al-Mubarak was called by investigators in the capital Riyadh concerning a stolen car over the weekend. When he arrived at the Interior Ministry's Criminal Investigation Department on Sunday, he was interrogated instead about his role in a campaign launched by reformers seeking the right of women to drive in the kingdom.