Saad Al-Madi, jailed for critical tweets, returned to Florida after Saudi Arabia lifted his travel ban/Image: X
Saad Al-Madi, a 75-year-old retired engineer and dual US-Saudi citizen, has finally returned home to Florida after spending nearly two years under restrictions in Saudi Arabia. His release and the lifting of a long-standing travel ban come amid diplomatic engagement between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Early arrest and charges
Saad Al-Madi was arrested in November 2021 while visiting family in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Authorities charged him with attempting to destabilize the kingdom and supporting terrorism. The charges were reportedly linked to 14 tweets in which he criticized government corruption and the worsening living conditions in the country, despite him having no formal political involvement.Following his arrest, Al-Madi spent over a year and a half in detention. In 2022, the Specialized Criminal Court of Appeal sentenced him to 19 years in prison, along with an additional 19-year travel ban.
Release and travel restrictions
In March 2023, Al-Madi was released early from prison, but he remained under house arrest and was prohibited from leaving Saudi Arabia. For nearly a year, he faced restrictions on his movement despite no active charges against him. It was only yesterday that Saudi authorities lifted the travel ban, allowing him to reunite with his family in Florida. The timing of the lifted restrictions, just a day after the Crown Prince’s visit to the White House, coincided with diplomatic engagement between the US and Saudi Arabia.
Role of diplomatic pressure
Al-Madi’s son publicly acknowledged that the return of his father was facilitated by President Donald Trump and his administration. The timing of the lifted restrictions, just a day after the Crown Prince’s visit to the White House, underscores the influence of diplomatic engagement in securing his freedom.
Human rights response
Sanad Human Rights Organization welcomed the decision to lift Al-Madi’s travel restrictions. The organization congratulated him on regaining his full freedom, wishing him good health and a reunion with family.The organization also renewed its call to the Saudi authorities to:
- Immediately release all prisoners of conscience
- Allow all previously released individuals to travel freely without restrictions
