American-Saudi Citizen Saad Almadi Released After Four Years

Saad Almadi, a dual American-Saudi citizen, has been released from detention in Saudi Arabia after more than four years. His freedom comes following a significant diplomatic engagement during the visit of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to the United States, where he met with President Donald Trump at the White House on October 10, 2023.

Almadi’s son, Ibrahim Almadi, confirmed his father’s release and credited key figures in the U.S. government for their involvement. Ibrahim expressed gratitude towards Trump, White House aide Sebastian Gorka, and House Speaker Mike Johnson, stating that their advocacy played a crucial role in securing his father’s freedom. He recounted an encounter with Johnson at a restaurant where the Speaker agreed to support efforts for Almadi’s release.

Saad Almadi, now 75 years old, was initially arrested in 2021 on terrorism charges linked to a series of tweets, one of which highlighted the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The charges were later downgraded to “cyber crimes.” Although Almadi was released from detention, he remained barred from leaving Saudi Arabia, with the exit restriction set to last until 2054.

U.S. Diplomatic Efforts and Reactions

In an interview preceding his father’s release, Ibrahim criticized the prolonged exit ban and expressed skepticism about Trump’s continued commitment to advocating for his father’s full freedom. He mentioned that a direct call from Trump to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman could prompt the lifting of the exit ban. Ibrahim stated, “One call would convince him to lift the exit ban.”

According to Ibrahim, the U.S. State Department’s intervention was instrumental in reducing the severity of his father’s charges. He described the efforts as having “saved his life,” highlighting the importance of diplomatic channels in addressing human rights cases abroad.

Despite the positive outcome of his father’s release, Ibrahim’s concerns about the treatment of dual citizens in Saudi Arabia persist. He noted the broader implications for other American citizens facing similar situations and underscored the need for ongoing advocacy.

Context of Saad Almadi’s Detention

Saad Almadi’s case gained international attention due to the circumstances surrounding his arrest. His tweets, which criticized the Saudi government, raised alarms about the risks faced by individuals who express dissenting views in the kingdom. The detention period has sparked discussions about freedom of expression and human rights in Saudi Arabia, particularly concerning dual citizens.

As the U.S. and Saudi Arabia continue to navigate their complex relationship, Almadi’s release may signal a willingness on both sides to address contentious human rights issues while maintaining diplomatic ties. The case also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance required in international relations, where advocacy for individual freedoms must align with national interests.

As the story unfolds, it remains to be seen how Almadi’s release will impact future diplomatic interactions between the United States and Saudi Arabia, especially regarding the treatment of citizens caught in legal disputes abroad.