RIYADH, Aug 26: Saudi authorities have released the wife of the alleged Al Qaeda chief in the kingdom, Saleh Muhammad Al-Aufi, after a month in detention, a Saudi interior ministry official told the local press.

Fowziya Abdullah Hassan Al Alawi was freed on Tuesday after being questioned over her presence in a 'suspicious place,' ministry spokesman Brig. Mansour Al-Turki said. After her release, Fowziya Al Alawi went to her family home in the holy city of Medina, her brother Humaid said on Thursday.

"I went to Interior Minister Prince Nayef and asked that they release my sister because she is pregnant and could be questioned without having to be detained," Mr Humaid said.

The Saudi Al-Riyadh daily quoted the ministry of interior spokesman as saying she was released after investigations had been completed into possible criminal charges of being present at a weapons warehouse, allowing cover to terrorists and child endanger.