Saad Almadi: Saudi Arabia Pushes U.S. Citizen to Renounce Citizenship

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Key Takeaways

Saudi Arabia pressured dual citizen Saad Almadi to renounce U.S. citizenship, highlighting tensions over dual nationality and human rights.
Almadi faced imprisonment over critical tweets, with an exit ban imposed unless he relinquishes U.S. citizenship, violating international norms.
This case reflects Saudi government’s crackdown on dissent, raising global concerns over freedom, jurisdiction, and dual nationals’ safety abroad.

In recent developments, Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 has faced criticism for pressuring Saad Almadi, a 74-year-old Florida retiree, into renouncing his U.S. citizenship. This situation illustrates key tensions surrounding dual citizenship, freedom of expression, and diplomatic relations. Almadi—a dual citizen of the United States 🇺🇸 and Saudi Arabia—was detained over social media posts critical of the Saudi government. Following over a year in custody, he was released but remains barred from leaving Saudi Arabia unless he renounces his U.S. citizenship, a demand that directly challenges the principles of international law.

Arrest and Detention: The Story of Saad Almadi

Saad Almadi: Saudi Arabia Pushes U.S. Citizen to Renounce Citizenship

Saad Almadi, who immigrated to the U.S. in the 1970s, visited Saudi Arabia in 2021, unaware that his past tweets criticizing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman would lead to charges of terrorism. His social media posts addressed sensitive topics such as the Crown Prince’s consolidation of power and the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Despite posting these tweets while living in the United States, Saudi authorities used their domestic laws to prosecute him. Almadi was handed a 19-year prison sentence for these posts.

Although Almadi was released from prison after serving more than a year, he has not been allowed to leave Saudi Arabia due to an exit ban. Reports indicate that Saudi officials coerced him into signing documents renouncing his U.S. citizenship, claiming this was necessary to lift the travel restrictions. Under U.S. law, giving up one’s citizenship is a formal process that must be voluntary and conducted in the presence of U.S. consular officers, which did not happen in Almadi’s case.

Dual Citizenship Policies in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia does not acknowledge dual citizenship. According to Saudi law, citizens who acquire another nationality without prior government approval risk losing their Saudi citizenship outright. Dual nationals often face unique challenges, particularly in situations like Almadi’s, where authorities leverage their lack of legal recognition to exert control.

This policy has broader implications. Reports suggest that Almadi is not the only dual Saudi-American national targeted. At least three similar cases highlight a troubling trend of pressuring dual citizens to relinquish their rights as U.S. nationals. These actions underscore the Saudi government’s intent to suppress dissent while maintaining domination over its citizens, even those with ties to other nations.

Freedom of Expression Under Scrutiny

Almadi’s case sheds light on Saudi Arabia’s aggressive crackdown on dissent. Over recent years, critics of the kingdom, whether at home or abroad, have faced increasingly harsh consequences. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s government has made headlines not just for high-profile reforms like granting women the right to drive, but also for silencing voices that challenge the state.

The fact that Almadi’s tweets, posted from the United States, were used as evidence to charge him with criminal activity poses serious questions about jurisdiction and international law. Saudi Arabia’s willingness to prosecute citizens for expressing their opinions outside its borders sets a disturbing precedent. This approach not only violates the spirit of global standards on freedom of expression but also stokes fears among activists and others who may feel unsafe criticizing the kingdom, even from abroad.

Diplomatic Fallout and U.S. Response

This case has added strain to the already complex relationship between Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦 and the United States 🇺🇸. While the two nations maintain strong ties, particularly in areas like energy and regional security, human rights abuses such as this put their alliance under scrutiny. Almadi’s detention prompted the U.S. government to call for his release and advocate for his safe return to Florida, but some argue that this response has lacked urgency.

Human rights organizations have been vocal in demanding stronger U.S. action. Groups have urged the Biden administration to adopt a firmer approach that prioritizes protecting freedom of expression and standing up for detained Americans, even when dealing with strategic allies. They argue that Washington’s caution sends the wrong message, enabling similar abuses in the future.

A Larger Pattern in Saudi Policy

The treatment of Saad Almadi is not an isolated case but reflects broader trends in how Saudi Arabia manages dissent, particularly under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s leadership. While the Crown Prince is frequently praised for modernizing the nation’s economy and introducing social reforms, his government has simultaneously intensified efforts to suppress opposition.

The kingdom recently amended its nationality laws to allow certain foreigners to apply for Saudi citizenship—a move that has been framed as part of Saudi Arabia’s modernization agenda. Yet critics contend that this change mainly benefits highly skilled workers or investors rather than easing restrictions for existing citizens. At the same time, Saudi authorities have tightened their grip on dual nationals, using administrative measures like exit bans to curtail freedoms while aiming to present a progressive image abroad.

Key Lessons for Dual Nationals

Almadi’s ordeal serves as a harsh reminder of the potential risks and complexities facing dual citizens, particularly when traveling to nations with restrictive policies. Below are some practical takeaways:

Travel Risks: Dual nationals must be aware of the risks when visiting countries that do not honor dual citizenship, as is the case in Saudi Arabia.
Legal Complications: Understanding the legal framework in both countries of citizenship is crucial. This includes knowing one’s rights and restrictions while abroad.
Preparation and Advocacy: For those facing similar challenges, advocacy efforts by families and human rights groups are essential for ensuring their cases gain international attention.

Recommendations for Policymakers

The distressing nature of Almadi’s case calls for systemic changes to prevent future abuses. Several key policy shifts could help address similar situations:

Stronger Advocacy: Governments like the United States must take a bolder approach to protecting their citizens overseas, especially in instances of coercion or wrongful imprisonment.
Improved Guidance: Clearer travel advisories should be issued specifically for dual nationals who risk falling afoul of foreign policies, as seen in Saudi Arabia.
Collaborative Pressure: Human rights organizations, working alongside governments, must build international coalitions that call for legal accountability when such rights are violated.
Support Systems: Families affected by these cases should have access to resources, legal assistance, and advocacy networks to amplify their voices and navigate complex diplomatic disputes.

A Call to Protect Freedom and Rights

As global mobility increases, the challenges faced by dual citizens will likely multiply. Saad Almadi’s story stands as a troubling example of how policies restricting dual citizenship can be manipulated for authoritarian purposes. Moving forward, governments of democratic nations need to set clear expectations for how their citizens should be treated abroad, all while holding oppressive regimes accountable.

For Almadi, his battle is far from over. With Saudi officials pressuring him to give up his U.S. citizenship and a travel ban still in place, his ability to reunite with his family in Florida remains uncertain. As he awaits resolution, his case resonates as a warning for those navigating the complexities of dual nationality and the risks of traveling to countries that criminalize dissent.

According to an analysis from VisaVerge.com, dual nationals must carefully assess the legal environments of the nations they visit, especially when those nations adopt practices outside international legal norms. For more authoritative information on U.S. citizenship laws, you can consult the U.S. Department of State’s citizenship guidance.

Although Almadi’s case has drawn significant attention, it underscores systemic challenges that demand broader solutions. Together, international communities, human rights advocates, and policymakers must address these injustices with urgency, ensuring that the rights and freedoms of individuals like Saad Almadi are upheld. For dual citizens worldwide, it is a reminder of the importance of vigilance, advocacy, and standing firm in the face of undue pressure.

Saudi Arabia pressures Florida man to renounce U.S. citizenship

Saudi Arabia reportedly coerced Saad Almadi, a 74-year-old Florida retiree and dual citizen, into renouncing his U.S. citizenship after more than a year of imprisonment over critical social media posts. Almadi now faces an exit ban, barring him from returning to the U.S. unless he gives up his American nationality.

Why it matters: Almadi’s case highlights concerns about the intersection of free expression, dual citizenship rights, and authoritarian policies. It also underscores growing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia over human rights.

The big picture:

Saudi Arabia does not recognize dual citizenship and frequently uses its laws to suppress dissent. Almadi’s ordeal began in 2021 when he was arrested on a visit to Saudi Arabia for tweets critical of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman—including references to Jamal Khashoggi’s murder.

Saudi authorities charged him with terrorism-related offenses, sentencing him to 19 years in prison. He served over a year before being released under a travel ban.
Officials allegedly coerced him into signing documents relinquishing his U.S. citizenship, though this renunciation does not meet U.S. legal requirements.

What they’re saying:
– Almadi’s son told The Washington Post: “They’re weaponizing dual citizenship to silence criticism… this is a playbook to control and threaten dissidents.”
– The U.S. government has said it continues to advocate for Almadi’s safe return but has offered few public details.

Between the lines:

Saudi Arabia is increasingly cracking down on dissent—even when expressed beyond its borders. Almadi’s tweets, posted in the U.S., were used as evidence by Saudi authorities to justify his imprisonment under terrorism laws.

This extraterritorial enforcement raises broader questions about jurisdiction and free speech protections for dual nationals.
Reports suggest Almadi’s case is not unique—at least three other dual Saudi-American citizens have faced pressure to give up their U.S. citizenship.

By the numbers:
– Almadi, 74, spent over 400 days in prison before release.
– His sentence of 19 years highlights the severity of Saudi Arabia’s penalties for online dissent.

Yes, but:

While Saudi Arabia has introduced reforms, like allowing women to drive, critics argue such changes mask a broader crackdown on rights under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. These include tighter control over dissent and arbitrary detention of critics.

Practical implications for dual nationals:

Travel risks: Dual nationals traveling to Saudi Arabia or similar countries face potential detention or restrictions tied to their citizenship status.
Legal protections: Individuals must understand international and U.S. protections if they are coerced into renouncing their nationality.

The bottom line:

Almadi’s case reveals the harsh tactics used by Saudi Arabia to stifle dissent and control dual nationals, raising questions about freedom of expression, citizenship rights, and diplomatic responsibility. As international attention grows, his story underscores the urgent need for stronger global protections for free speech and human rights.

Learn Today

Dual Citizenship: Having citizenship in two different countries simultaneously, which can lead to legal complications or conflicts between nations.
Exit Ban: A government-imposed restriction preventing an individual from leaving a country, often used for control or coercion.
Freedom of Expression: The right to express opinions without censorship or restraint, often limited in authoritarian regimes.
Coercion: Forcing someone to act against their will through pressure, threats, or manipulation, often violating international legal principles.
Jurisdiction: The legal authority of a government or court to make and enforce laws over a person, event, or place.

This Article in a Nutshell

Saudi Arabia and the Cost of Dual Citizenship
Saad Almadi’s case starkly highlights the perils of dual nationality. Detained over tweets critical of Saudi Arabia, he’s barred from leaving unless he renounces U.S. citizenship—a shocking clash of rights and sovereignty. His plight underscores rising global risks for dissenters, urging dual nationals to navigate such jurisdictions with extreme caution.
— By VisaVerge.com