WASHINGTON — A retiree from Florida named Saad Almadi, aged 74, has found himself in a distressing situation as Saudi Arabia presses him to renounce his United States citizenship. This follows his imprisonment over social media posts that criticized the country’s crown prince, reports indicate through statements made by his son. Almadi is one among several dual nationals who allege that the Saudi government, helmed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is pressuring them to abandon their American citizenship, as per a Middle Eastern human rights organization based in the U.S.
This alleged strategy by a significant ally of the United States is concerning, reflecting a broader attempt to suppress even mild dissent. This tactic extends beyond imprisonment, also imposing exit bans that keep individuals like Almadi from returning to the U.S. Following over a year of imprisonment in Saudi facilities, Almadi was released but remains barred from reentering the United States.
Ibrahim Almadi, Saad’s son, expressed his dismay during an interview from Washington, questioning the discrepancies in treatment for American citizens versus Saudi royals who visit the U.S. for medical consultations. “If this were Russia, Iran, or North Korea, he would’ve been labeled as wrongfully detained long ago,” he said. The Saudi Embassy acknowledged the allegations and confirmed a request for comments, but remained silent on further inquiries. The Saudi government, however, typically dismisses critiques, framing their actions as part of a long-standing campaign against corruption and security threats.
Almadi’s case, along with others in similar circumstances, could complicate diplomatic efforts amid ongoing tensions related to previous incidents, notably the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. During the 2020 presidential campaign, President Joe Biden committed to holding the Saudi royal family accountable following intelligence reports linking the crown prince to the killing. However, as President, Biden’s rhetoric changed, particularly after rising gas prices led to decreased support for his administration, ultimately resulting in a diplomatic visit to Saudi Arabia that included an awkward greeting with the crown prince.
A former project manager who emigrated to the U.S. during the 1970s, Almadi traveled to Saudi Arabia in 2021 for a family visit. His situation dramatically shifted as he faced repercussions for previous tweets addressing Khashoggi’s murder and the consolidation of power by the crown prince. He then received a sentence exceeding 19 years on terrorism-related charges. After spending over a year in prison, he was released but subsequently enforced with an exit ban, hindering his ability to return to his home in Boca Raton, Florida.
Following his release, Almadi reportedly endured numerous threatening phone calls believed to be from Saudi intelligence operatives tasked with eliminating threats to the monarchy. In November, he was summoned to a Riyadh estate where it was suggested that he could have his exit ban lifted should he relinquish his American citizenship. Caught in a dire position, Almadi signed documents as instructed to return his U.S. passport to the Embassy, as relayed by his son.
The U.S. State Department indicated that citizens seeking to renounce their citizenship must adhere to a defined process, and must willingly undertake the steps to do so. They further clarified that Almadi remains a U.S. citizen and continues to receive their support. A representative from the department expressed commitment to advocating for Almadi and underscored hopes for his swift reunion with his family in the United States.
Abdullah Alaoudh, associated with the Middle East Democracy Center, noted that Almadi’s circumstances are among the most troubling of the four dual citizens who have reported similar pressures, expressing that these individuals are not notably vocal critics of the Saudi regime. He highlighted the coercion faced by Almadi: “They are kind of forcing him.”
Activists have appealed to the Biden administration to urgently seek the unconditional release of imprisoned Americans and their close relatives in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that many, such as Aziza al-Yousef, a U.S. green-card holder, continue to face travel restrictions following their prior imprisonment for advocating women’s rights.
As former President Trump prepares to take office again, speculation exists regarding how this administration will manage situations such as Almadi’s, particularly considering Trump’s longstanding business connections with Saudi leaders. Recently, the Trump Organization announced new developments for luxury real estate in Jeddah, while a fund tied to Trump’s family secured a significant investment from the Saudi sovereign wealth fund.
Almadi’s exit ban is not an isolated incident, as similar policies have been utilized by nations like China towards dual nationals, raising concerns about the potential for diplomatic tensions. Navigating these cases poses significant challenges for U.S. policy when intertwined with relations involving allied nations.
For Ibrahim Almadi, the emotional toll is immense, as he expressed frustration with the perceived inaction from U.S. authorities. After his fourth consecutive New Year’s without his father, he remains resolute to keep his father’s plight in public consciousness as he shifts his focus from personal ambitions to seeking justice for Almadi. “I’m still only 28. But now all I think about is what to do, how to act, what to say, and what not to say, to secure my dad’s release,” he stated poignantly.
