“The novel case, filed under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute, cites repeated security failures that allowed the informants working for Twitter to send information about thousands of anonymous users to the Saudi regime while royal funds were invested in the company, becoming one of its largest shareholders.”

“There are far too many people in detention in Saudi Arabia who do not have the benefits of U.S. citizenship to draw attention to their cases,” [Abdullah Alaoudh] said. “Almadi’s release shows that strategic pressure works, and U.S. officials should continue to press for release of prisoners and lifting of travel bans.”

“‘Carly Morris was released early Wednesday, after being summoned and taken into custody by Saudi authorities in the north-central city of Buraidah on Monday,’ according to the Freedom Initiative.”

“Saudi authorities should immediately lift the travel ban against her and permit her to return home to the US with her daughter.”

“Though Morris’ daughter only held US citizenship at the time of departure, upon her arrival in Saudi Arabia, she was immediately subject to the country’s male guardianship laws, under which she is barred from exiting the country without her father’s permission,” [the Freedom Initiative] said.

“Morris’ detention means that we’re now aware of three Americans behind bars in Saudi Arabia, yet another sign that Saudi simply does not value the US as an ally.”

“Congress must act to ensure that U.S. policy can’t be undone with a simple handshake. It can start by passing legislation like the Protection of Saudi Dissidents Act, which would prohibit arms sales if the kingdom doesn’t meet basic human rights requirements. Coupling concrete human rights requirements with consequences would go a long way toward resetting the relationship in a way that affirms U.S. priorities.”