A 75-year-old American retiree has been released from Saudi Arabia and is returning to the United States after being detained for years over critical social media posts. The resolution of his case follows high-level diplomatic engagement between Washington and Riyadh.
Saad Almadi, a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen and retired engineer who has lived in Florida for decades, was initially sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2021. The charges stemmed from a series of tweets deemed critical of the Saudi government. His sentence was later modified, resulting in a 30-year travel ban that prevented him from leaving the kingdom.
His release was confirmed in a family statement expressing profound gratitude to U.S. officials for their efforts in securing his return. The announcement came shortly after a series of meetings in Washington focused on bilateral relations.
Almadi’s case had drawn attention as part of a broader pattern involving dual citizens facing exit bans following online criticism. His family had previously alleged he was pressured to renounce his U.S. citizenship while detained.
The charges against him centered on social media activity, including posts that questioned government policies and expressed views on regional conflicts. Among the more contentious issues cited was his reported approval of a street renaming in Washington, D.C., honoring the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
U.S. advocacy for Almadi’s release intensified in recent months, with several lawmakers and non-profit organizations highlighting his situation. The breakthrough underscores the complex diplomatic channels often involved in resolving such cases involving citizens detained abroad.
Almadi is now reportedly en route to the United States, concluding a prolonged ordeal for his family.