We are concerned by reports that a Saudi counterterrorism court sentenced Saudi aid worker Abdulrahman al-Sadhan to 20 years in prison followed by a 20-year travel ban.  We will continue to monitor this case closely throughout any appeals process.  As we have said to Saudi officials at all levels, freedom of expression should never be a punishable offense.  We will continue to elevate the role of human rights in our relationship with Saudi Arabia and encourage legal reforms that respect the human rights of all individuals.

U.S. Department of State

The Lessons of 1989: Freedom and Our Future