A 75-year-old Florida man, Saad Almadi, has been prohibited from leaving Saudi Arabia until March 2026 following his conviction for cyber crimes linked to posts on X that criticized the kingdom’s crown prince. Almadi, who had already spent over a year in detention since his 2021 arrest, received a three-year sentence but will not serve additional prison time. The conviction stems from the Saudi government’s strict stance against content deemed to undermine public order, reflecting its ongoing multiyear crackdown on corruption, terrorism, and other perceived security threats.

According to Almadi’s son, the ruling was issued on September 14, and it highlights the kingdom’s policy of not recognizing dual citizenship. The Saudi authorities have repeatedly rejected criticisms of its governance, and the case underscores the high risks faced by foreigners in the country who publicly challenge or critique state leadership online. Legal experts note that cases like Almadi’s reflect the growing enforcement of stringent cybercrime laws in Saudi Arabia, which carry severe travel and residency restrictions in addition to prison sentences.

The family has expressed concern over the prolonged separation and the inability of Almadi to return to the United States, emphasizing the personal and emotional toll of the restrictions. Human rights observers have called the ruling a reminder of the limitations on freedom of expression in Saudi Arabia, particularly for foreign nationals, while governments worldwide continue to navigate diplomatic sensitivities surrounding such cases. Almadi’s situation remains under close monitoring as international attention focuses on both his legal rights and broader implications for online speech in restrictive jurisdictions.