King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia did the right thing when he pardoned the “Qatif girl.” The perfect injustice of the case, in which a young woman was gang raped and then sentenced to 200 lashes for being alone in a car with a man to whom she was not married, left him no choice. Now another ugly face of Saudi justice has been revealed — one that cannot be explained by religion, ancient tradition or culture — the detention last month of an outspoken blogger, Fouad al-Farhan.

King Abdullah’s announced reforms include the creation of a Supreme Court as well as specialized courts for criminal, commercial, labour and family matters. These plans have been especially welcomed by foreigners doing business in Saudi Arabia. The case of the woman from the Eastern town of Qatif should make clear to the king that his reforms cannot stop at making life easier for businessmen.

Many Saudis are eager for more and faster change. A Gallup poll conducted last year showed that a majority want more freedoms for women. King Abdullah has demonstrated a laudable desire for reform. He must understand that cruelty, sex and discrimination cannot be part of a modern legal system or a country that wants to be a part of the modern world. When Bush visits Saudi Arabia, he should remind the king of that.