Bahraini authorities on Friday released popular Internet blogger Mahmood al-Yousif whose arrest drew criticism from the US State Department

Bahraini authorities on Friday released popular Internet blogger Mahmood al-Yousif whose arrest drew criticism from the US State Department, state news agency BNA said.
  
A government spokesman cited by BNA said Yousif was questioned on Thursday but gave no further details on his case. The United States on Wednesday criticised the arrest, while also renewing its condemnation of violence in the Gulf kingdom.
  
"We're deeply concerned about his arrest. He's a prominent and respected blogger," said Mark Toner, a State Department spokesman. "We're also concerned about reports of the detention of two other Internet activists who have expressed their views on recent events in Bahrain," Toner said. "We hope that the Bahraini government's decision to arrest bloggers and Internet activists will not make it more difficult to resume a national dialogue," he said.
  
Yousif was already being sued by Bahrain's Minister for Municipal and Agricultural Affairs Mansur bin Rajab for libel.

The blog describes itself is "an Arab man's attempt at bridging the cultural gap. Trying to make a difference, failing a lot, succeeding once in a while." At least 24 people have been martyred in a month of protests.