Florida man banned from leaving Saudi Arabia until 2026 over X posts

A Florida retiree has been convicted of cyber crimes and blocked from leaving Saudi Arabia until next year over X posts critical of the kingdom’s crown prince, according to the man’s son.

Saad Almadi, 75, was found guilty of distributing online content that undermines public order, according to a September 14 ruling provided by his son. The conviction, which has not been previously reported, carries a three-year sentence



but spares Almadi additional prison time after he spent more than a year behind bars following his arrest in 2021.

Instead, it blocks Almadi from leaving the kingdom until March. The Saudi government, which did not respond to a request for comment, doesn’t recognise dual citizenship and regularly rejects criticism of its actions, saying they are part of a multiyear crackdown on corruption, terrorism and other security threats.