U.S. Lawmakers Condemn Saudi Sentencing of Dual-National Doctor as 'Politically Motivated'

Washington, D.C. — Prominent U.S. lawmakers have sharply criticized Saudi Arabia following the sentencing of Dr. Walid Fitaihi, a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen and Harvard-trained physician, to six years in prison. The condemnation comes amid ongoing concerns over human rights in the kingdom and the suppression of peaceful political dissent.

Dr. Fitaihi, who holds American and Saudi citizenship, was sentenced earlier this week by Saudi Arabia’s Specialized Criminal Court, also known as the kingdom’s terrorism court. The charges, described by human rights organizations and U.S. lawmakers as vague and politically charged, reportedly include obtaining foreign citizenship without official permission, offending foreign nations and leaders, and “breaking allegiance with the ruler” by showing sympathy toward what Saudi authorities labeled a terrorist organization.

In a joint statement released Thursday, five Democratic U.S. senators denounced the verdict, calling on Saudi officials to “immediately release Dr. Fitaihi, lift the travel ban on his family, and drop these baseless and politically motivated charges.”

The lawmakers warned that continued detention and mistreatment of Fitaihi—who has not been allowed to leave Saudi Arabia since his arrest in 2017—threatens to strain U.S.-Saudi relations at a critical time.

Longstanding Detention, Global Concern

Fitaihi was among dozens of prominent Saudis arrested in a sweeping 2017 anti-corruption campaign launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The physician, who had spent years working in the Boston area, was detained without formal charges for nearly two years. During that time, reports emerged of alleged torture.

According to a 2019 New York Times report, Fitaihi was dragged from his room at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Riyadh, blindfolded, stripped, and electrocuted. Human Rights Watch (HRW) and The Freedom Initiative said that despite being out on bail pending appeal, he and seven members of his family—who are also U.S. citizens—remain under travel bans, and their assets have been frozen since 2017.

“This verdict shows that the Saudi government has no intention of loosening its clampdown on peaceful critics,” said Adam Coogle, deputy Middle East director at HRW. “The message to Saudi citizens is clear: any dissent from official domestic or foreign policy will be met with prison.”

Political Pressure and U.S. Response

The Trump administration, despite mounting bipartisan pressure, has largely refrained from confronting Saudi Arabia over its human rights record. While some officials have raised Fitaihi’s case with Saudi counterparts, concrete diplomatic pressure has been minimal.

Congressional leaders, however, have taken a more forceful approach. Several members have repeatedly called for the physician’s release and have linked his detention to broader questions about the future of U.S.-Saudi ties.

Ahmed Fitaihi, Dr. Fitaihi’s son, previously testified before U.S. lawmakers, recounting the trauma of his father’s detention and urging Washington to intervene. “I’m sure you understand how confusing it is to see this man being dragged and beaten and electrocuted,” he said. “He’s dedicated his entire life to making peoples’ lives better.”

Broader Implications

Human rights advocates say Dr. Fitaihi’s sentencing fits a broader pattern of repression in the kingdom, where journalists, activists, and political dissidents continue to be silenced or detained under laws critics describe as dangerously broad.

While Saudi authorities argue that the arrests are part of a campaign to root out corruption and terrorism, international observers argue the campaigns are often used to eliminate dissent and consolidate power.

Dr. Fitaihi’s future now hinges on the appeal process. Rights groups and U.S. lawmakers are continuing to press for his release, arguing that failure to do so would only deepen global scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s authoritarian practices.

For now, the high-profile case serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by dual nationals and critics of the regime—and the growing international unease with the kingdom’s approach to justice.