A 75-year-old American retiree has been permitted to return to the United States from Saudi Arabia, where he had been barred from leaving for years following his conviction for online posts critical of the kingdom’s government.
Saad Almadi, a dual citizen and longtime Florida resident, was originally sentenced to 19 years in prison in 2021. His charges were later reduced, but a 30-year travel ban was imposed, preventing his departure. The lifting of this restriction comes just a day after a high-level meeting between the Saudi crown prince and the U.S. president at the White House.
In a family statement, Almadi’s relatives expressed profound relief at his impending return. They credited the current U.S. administration and officials at the State Department and National Security Council for their efforts in securing his release. The statement also acknowledged the support of several non-governmental organizations and congressional leaders who advocated on his behalf.
Almadi’s case stemmed from a series of tweets in which he was accused of criticizing Saudi government policies, including its military defense capabilities. Among the more contentious posts was one expressing support for honoring the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Washington, D.C. Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, an event U.S. intelligence has linked to Saudi leadership—a conclusion Saudi officials have repeatedly denied.
The resolution of Almadi’s situation follows sustained diplomatic pressure from the United States. Advocacy for his repatriation had intensified in recent months, with his family and supporters urging government intervention. His son confirmed via social media that his father is now en route to the United States, ending a prolonged separation.
