In a troubling incident that highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia, a 74-year-old Florida retiree named Saad Almadi is facing pressures to renounce his American citizenship after being imprisoned by Saudi authorities. Almadi reportedly spent over a year in jail due to social media posts that criticized the Saudi crown prince. His experience is shared by at least three other dual American-Saudi citizens who claim they have faced similar pressures from the Saudi government.
This situation raises serious concerns about the Saudi regime’s crackdown on dissent, particularly against individuals who express even mild criticism. Almadi was arrested in 2021 during a short trip to visit family, where authorities confronted him with tweets regarding the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and the crown prince’s authoritarian control. He was sentenced to more than 19 years in prison on terrorism-related charges linked to these posts. After his release, he found himself unable to return to the U.S. due to an exit ban imposed by Saudi officials.
The Almadi family argues that the treatment of U.S. citizens by Saudi Arabia is unacceptable. As Almadi’s son Ibrahim pointed out, while Saudi royals can travel freely for medical reasons in the U.S., his father remains stuck abroad simply because he voiced his opinions online.
The Saudi Embassy in Washington acknowledged receipt of requests for comments but did not provide further details on the situation. The Saudi government maintains that its actions are part of a broader effort to combat corruption and terrorism, dismissing criticism as interference in its domestic matters.
The implications of Almadi’s imprisonment extend beyond individual rights; they complicate U.S. diplomatic relations with a country often viewed as a key ally in the Middle East. President Biden’s previous strong stance against the Saudi regime has weakened, especially after rising gas prices, leading to more accommodating interactions during his administration.
Looking ahead, there is uncertainty about how these diplomatic ties will evolve, particularly with the potential return of Donald Trump to the presidency. Trump’s administration had previously championed a close relationship with Saudi Arabia, which could influence future actions regarding cases like Almadi’s.
Almadi’s arrest underscores a broader issue where American citizens abroad may face increased dangers if they critique authoritarian regimes. Not only does it pose a risk to individuals like Almadi, but it also challenges the U.S. government’s ability to advocate for its citizens effectively when their captors are allied nations. Almadi’s relentless pursuit to secure his father’s release reflects a growing urgency among families of those detained abroad, emphasizing the need for a consistent and firm approach from U.S. officials in dealing with their allies.
