Florida Citizen Sentenced to 19 Years in Prison for Criticizing Saudi Prince - Human Rights Group
Washington – Saudi Arabia, a key ally of the United States, has pressured a Florida retiree to renounce his citizenship because he posted critical messages about the Saudi government on social media. The retiree, 74-year-old Saad Almadi, had been living in the U.S. for several years. His son claims that the Saudi government pressured him into trying to give up his U.S. citizenship.
According to a Middle East-based human rights organization, Almadi is one of at least four dual U.S.-Saudi nationals who have been forced to give up their citizenship by the Saudi government. This incident had not been reported before.
In 2021, Almadi was arrested during a two-week family visit to Saudi Arabia when authorities confronted him about his tweets, including one about the killing of Jamal Khashoggi and another criticizing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's centralization of power. Almadi was convicted and sentenced to 19 years in prison on terrorism-related charges. However, he was released after a year, but an exit ban was imposed, preventing him from returning to the U.S.
The Biden administration is continuing its efforts to secure Almadi's release, and the State Department has stated that Almadi remains a U.S. citizen and is receiving consular support.
This case could complicate U.S.-Saudi relations, especially given the tensions between the two countries since the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. However, after President Biden's visit to Saudi Arabia, there have been signs of improving relations.
Meanwhile, Almadi's son is making every effort to secure his father's release and has called for stronger action from the U.S. administration to free him.
