Under U.S. Pressure… Saudi Authorities Lift Travel Ban on Saad Al-Madi

Saudi authorities lifted the travel ban imposed on engineer Saad Al-Madi yesterday, following U.S. pressure that coincided with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s current visit to the United States. The Specialized Criminal Court of Appeals had previously sentenced him to 19 years in prison and an additional 19-year travel ban, before he was released in March 2023 while still being prohibited from leaving the country.

Al-Madi, a Saudi citizen and U.S. national residing in Florida, was arrested in November 2021 during a family visit to Saudi Arabia. He faced charges of attempting to destabilize the state and supporting terrorism, based on 14 tweets in which he criticized corruption and worsening living conditions, despite having no political activity. After more than a year and a half in detention, the charges were dropped and he was later released due to American pressure, but he remained under a travel ban and de facto house arrest until yesterday.

SANAD Human Rights Organization welcomes the decision to lift the travel ban on engineer Saad Al-Madi, congratulates him on fully regaining his freedom, and wishes him good health and reunion with his family. The organization also renews its call on Saudi authorities to immediately and unconditionally release all prisoners of conscience, and to allow all former detainees to travel freely without restrictions.