Saudi Arabia has reportedly pressured a Florida retiree to renounce his American citizenship after jailing him for social media posts critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The retiree, 74-year-old Saad Almadi, is one of several dual Saudi-American nationals facing similar demands. The Saudi government's alleged tactic of pressuring individuals to give up their U.S. citizenship has raised concerns.
Almadi, a retired project manager who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s, was arrested in Saudi Arabia in 2021 during a visit to see family. He was sentenced to over 19 years in prison on terrorism-related charges related to his social media posts. Although released after a year, an exit ban prevents him from returning to the U.S.
Almadi's son has highlighted the challenges his father faces, including being forced to renounce his American citizenship to lift the exit ban. The U.S. State Department confirmed that Almadi remains a U.S. citizen and receives consular support. Efforts are ongoing to advocate for his return to the U.S.
Other dual U.S.-Saudi citizens have also reported pressure to give up their American citizenship. The Middle East Democracy Center has raised concerns about these cases, urging the Biden administration to push for the release of imprisoned individuals and their relatives.
The situation involving Almadi and others could complicate U.S.-Saudi relations, particularly in light of recent tensions following the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. President Joe Biden had promised a tough stance on Saudi royals but later softened his criticism. The dynamics between the two countries remain complex.
Almadi's son has been vocal in seeking his father's release, expressing frustration over the lack of progress. He has taken his advocacy public, emphasizing the emotional toll of being separated from his father. The family's plight underscores the challenges faced by dual nationals caught in diplomatic tensions.
