Tue Jan 07 06:55:44 UTC 2025: ## Saudi Arabia Forces American Citizen to Renounce Citizenship After Imprisonment for Social Media Posts

**Washington, Jan 7, 2025** – A 74-year-old Florida retiree, Saad Almadi, is being forced by Saudi Arabia to renounce his American citizenship after spending over a year in prison for social media posts critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to his son. This is one of at least four similar cases involving dual Saudi-American nationals, raising concerns about the kingdom’s tactics to silence dissent.

Almadi, arrested in 2021 during a family visit, was sentenced to over 19 years on terrorism-related charges based on his tweets, which included commentary on the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. After his release, he was subjected to threats and ultimately pressured to renounce his U.S. citizenship in exchange for lifting an exit ban preventing his return to the U.S. While he signed documents initiating the renunciation process, the U.S. State Department maintains he remains a U.S. citizen and continues to receive consular support.

The alleged actions by Saudi Arabia, a key U.S. ally, are raising tensions further complicated by President Biden’s previously strong stance against the Crown Prince following the Khashoggi assassination. While Biden initially vowed to hold Saudi royals accountable, his administration softened its criticism after a spike in gas prices. The incoming Trump administration’s close ties to Saudi Arabia, including extensive business dealings, raise questions about how this case, and others like it, will be handled.

Human rights groups, including the Middle East Democracy Center, are calling for the immediate release of Almadi and other dual nationals facing similar situations. The case highlights a broader pattern of using imprisonment and exit bans to suppress criticism, a tactic employed not only by Saudi Arabia but also by other adversaries like China. The situation presents a complex diplomatic challenge for the U.S., balancing its strategic relationship with Saudi Arabia with its commitment to protecting its citizens. Almadi’s son is publicly advocating for his father’s release, highlighting the emotional toll this ordeal has taken on his family.

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