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Saudi Arabia’s Campaign Against Dual Citizens: The Case of Saad Al-Madi

Saudi Arabia’s treatment of Saad Al-Madi, a 74-year-old retired dual U.S.-Saudi citizen, has exposed the kingdom’s alarming tactic of pressuring dual citizens to renounce their foreign nationality. Arrested in 2021 during a brief family visit, Al-Madi’s ordeal is a stark example of Saudi Arabia’s ongoing crackdown on freedom of expression and its disregard for international norms. 

Al-Madi’s arrest came after Saudi authorities scrutinized years-old tweets he had posted in the United States, criticizing Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and referencing the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. These peaceful expressions of opinion led to his conviction on terrorism-related charges, and he was sentenced to 19 years in prison. Although released after serving more than a year, Al-Madi remains trapped in Saudi Arabia under a travel ban, unable to return to his family in Florida. 

Recent reports reveal that Saudi intelligence agents threatened Al-Madi and coerced him into attempting to renounce his U.S. citizenship. In November 2024, agents summoned him to a villa in Riyadh, promising to lift the travel ban if he surrendered his American nationality. Feeling helpless, Al-Madi complied, signing documents and following instructions to return his U.S. passport. However, U.S. officials have stated that his renunciation was neither voluntary nor legally recognized, and he remains a U.S. citizen under consular protection. 

This case exemplifies Saudi Arabia’s escalating efforts to silence dissent, even among individuals residing abroad. Reports indicate that Al-Madi is one of at least four dual citizens who have faced similar coercion. These tactics violate international law, including Article 15 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which guarantees every individual the right to a nationality and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of citizenship. The forced renunciation of citizenship also contravenes Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits arbitrary detention and ensures individuals’ freedom of movement. 

Domestically, Saudi Arabia’s actions breach its own legal obligations. The Saudi Law of Criminal Procedure prohibits arbitrary detention and mandates that penalties align with due legal processes. Al-Madi’s prolonged travel ban, coupled with threats against his family, exemplifies the misuse of legal frameworks to suppress dissent and intimidate individuals who dare to exercise their basic rights. 

The Saudi government’s justification for its actions—often framed as part of a broader campaign against corruption and terrorism—rings hollow in light of cases like Al-Madi’s. Far from addressing genuine security threats, these measures target peaceful critics and suppress freedom of expression. Such actions contradict Saudi Arabia’s claims of reform and modernization, exposing a grim reality of repression and control. 

The implications of this case extend beyond Al-Madi’s personal suffering. The United States, as a strategic ally of Saudi Arabia, must take a firm stance against these abuses. Silence in the face of such violations undermines the credibility of U.S. commitments to human rights and sets a dangerous precedent for other nations to follow. While geopolitical interests often complicate responses, the U.S. must prioritize the protection of its citizens and hold Saudi Arabia accountable for its violations. 

Al-Madi’s son, who has tirelessly campaigned for his father’s release, highlights the human toll of these policies. His story underscores the devastating impact on families torn apart by arbitrary detentions and the emotional and financial burdens they bear. No one should have to sacrifice their safety, identity, or freedom for the peaceful exercise of their rights. 

We call on the Saudi government to immediately lift the travel ban on Saad Al-Madi, cease all coercive attempts to strip dual citizens of their foreign nationality, and comply with its obligations under international law. Additionally, we urge the United States to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure the release of its citizens and ensure accountability for human rights abuses in Saudi Arabia. 

Saad Al-Madi’s case is not an isolated incident; it is a testament to the pervasive culture of repression in Saudi Arabia. It is a call for the international community to stand against the systematic erosion of rights and freedoms. No state should be allowed to exploit its power to silence dissent and deny individuals their fundamental dignity.

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