U.S. citizen freed by Saudi Arabia after 4 years post-Trump meeting

Release of American Detainee

In a significant development, an American, Saad al-Mahdi, who had been imprisoned in Saudi Arabia for criticizing the royal family online, was released on Wednesday, ending a four-year struggle for him. His release came just a day after Trump’s meeting with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Washington, D.C.

Almadi, a 75-year-old former engineer who had been living in the United States since 1976, was arrested during a family visit to Riyadh in 2021. He received a sentence of over 19 years on charges of terrorism linked to various online posts. Although the charges were later adjusted to cybercrime, Almadi remained detained under an exit ban, unable to return home until now.

The Almadi family expressed immense relief and gratitude upon learning about his release. “After four long years, our family is overjoyed that our father, Saad Almadi, is finally returning to the United States!” they stated. They credited President Trump and his administration for their efforts, specifically thanking Dr. Sebastian Gorka and others at the National Security Council as well as the State Department.

In their message, they also acknowledged the support from the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh and various nonprofit organizations and members of Congress who advocated for Almadi’s freedom.

Almadi’s case had garnered attention from human rights advocates and lawmakers, drawing concern over his initial charges related to 14 social media posts. There was also a suggestion to rename a street in Washington after Jamal Khashoggi, the journalist murdered in 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

Following Trump’s visit to Saudi Arabia in May, pressure increased to alleviate al-Mahdi’s travel restrictions. Gorka had also met with Almadi’s son at the White House to discuss the situation.

In a positive turn, representatives from advocacy groups expressed their excitement, celebrating the successful outcome of the family’s fight for justice.