Saudi Arabia has released 75-year-old U.S. citizen Saad Almadi after four years of detention, ending a long and contentious ordeal. Almadi, a retired engineer with over five decades of residency in the United States, was initially detained in 2021 following an investigation into his online activities criticizing the royal family. His case, which was initially framed as a terrorism-related incident, led to an initial sentencing of over 19 years. However, the charges were later downgraded to cybercrime, and while he was released from prison in 2023, he remained in the Kingdom under an exit ban, preventing him from returning home to the United States.
The release of Almadi has been attributed to the diplomatic efforts of President Donald Trump, who has maintained a close relationship with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The two leaders met during Trump’s visit to Washington, D.C., which included a formal meeting that was seen by many as a strategic reset in U.S.-Saudi diplomatic relations. The administration’s efforts to secure Almadi’s freedom, including the involvement of National Security Council member Sebastian Gorka, played a significant role in facilitating his release. Almadi’s family expressed deep gratitude, stating that “this day would not have been possible without President Trump and the tireless efforts of his administration.” The family also thanked the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh for ensuring Almadi’s safety and the support of lawmakers and advocacy groups that fought for his freedom in the U.S.
Almadi’s case has drawn significant attention from the broader international community, particularly from human rights groups who raised concerns over the treatment of U.S. citizens in Saudi Arabia. His case also coincided with growing public sentiment in the United States against Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, especially following the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Some lawmakers and advocacy groups have called for measures to hold Saudi officials accountable for alleged human rights violations, including the suggestion that a street in Washington be renamed in honor of Khashoggi. Despite these concerns, the recent release of Almadi represents a diplomatic breakthrough that has been celebrated by both the U.S. government and his family. Almadi, now free from Saudi detention, is set to return to the United States, marking the end of a four-year diplomatic journey that has involved the U.S. State Department, advocacy groups, and members of Congress.
The incident has also underscored the complexities of international diplomacy, particularly when it comes to dealing with the Saudi Arabian government. While U.S.-Saudi relations have experienced significant changes under Trump’s leadership, including the designation of Saudi Arabia as a major non-NATO ally, the Almadi case has highlighted the potential for diplomatic pressure to yield tangible results. The release of Almadi has been widely seen as a win for both the administration and the family, though it remains a sensitive topic given the broader context of human rights concerns in the Kingdom. As Almadi prepares to return home, his case is likely to remain in the public eye, with ongoing discussions about the role of the U.S. in influencing international human rights policies.