logo
Saudi national freed after 19 years in US prison, set for deportation

Saudi national freed after 19 years in US prison, set for deportation

Saudi Gazette09-05-2025
DENVER — Saudi citizen Homaidan Al-Turki, 56, is expected to arrive in the Kingdom in the coming days following nearly two decades of imprisonment in the United States.
Al-Turki was convicted in 2006 on charges of unlawful imprisonment and assault against his Indonesian housekeeper in the state of Colorado, a case that sparked widespread controversy and allegations of judicial bias.
According to local media reports, a court in Colorado ruled last week to close Al-Turki's case and authorize his deportation after he accepted a plea agreement.
The ruling followed a new hearing in which his legal team successfully argued that his original trial was marred by ineffective counsel.
The court agreed to resentence Al-Turki to lesser charges, contingent on his removal from the United States.
A representative of the Saudi embassy's legal team and several of Al-Turki's daughters were present at the hearing.
Sources familiar with the matter told that Al-Turki was transferred to the custody of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Tuesday, with his return to Saudi Arabia pending final procedures.
The decision ends a legal saga that began in 2004, when Al-Turki was first arrested alongside his wife for alleged immigration violations.
He was later re-arrested in 2006 and sentenced to 28 years in prison. His case drew intense attention both in Saudi Arabia and among Muslim advocacy groups in the US, who argued he was targeted due to rising Islamophobia in the post-9/11 climate.
A former linguistics scholar and PhD candidate at the University of Denver, Al-Turki maintained his innocence throughout his imprisonment, describing himself as a victim of anti-Muslim sentiment.
In 2013, while serving his sentence, Al-Turki was briefly investigated in connection with the killing of a Colorado corrections official—a claim he denied and was never charged for.
During his incarceration, his family launched repeated legal petitions seeking clemency or case review, all of which were rejected until the latest court decision.
With the victim's whereabouts unknown and key witnesses deceased, the district attorney's office cited the challenges of retrying the case as a factor in accepting the plea deal.
'This resolution ensures Al-Turki remains a convicted felon and is permanently removed from our community,' said Assistant District Attorney Ryan Brackley in a statement.
The case, long seen in Saudi Arabia as politically and emotionally charged, is now formally closed. Al-Turki's family has refrained from public comment, awaiting his safe return to Riyadh. — SG with inputs from Agencies
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus
Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus

Asharq Al-Awsat

timean hour ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Saudi Role Pivotal as Syria Hosts Investment Forum in Damascus

In a symbolic and strategic move, Syria and Saudi Arabia took a major step toward deepening economic ties this week with the launch of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum 2025, held at the People's Palace in Damascus. The event brought together top officials from both countries, including Syrian President Ahmad Al-Sharaa and Saudi Minister of Investment Khalid Al-Falih, along with over 120 Saudi investors and business leaders. The forum marks the most significant Saudi economic delegation to visit Syria in over a decade, and comes amid a broader push by Damascus to attract regional and international investment to rebuild the war-torn country. Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, Osama Qadi, Senior Advisor to Syria's Ministry of Economy and Industry, described the forum as a turning point. 'Saudi Arabia is helping to write a new chapter in Syria's economic history,' he said. 'The Kingdom is not only a political and security partner, it will be remembered as the driving force behind what could become Syria's economic miracle.' Qadi said Saudi Arabia's presence signaled deep trust in Syria's post-conflict potential. 'This initial delegation of over 120 Saudi business leaders is just the beginning,' he noted. 'Minister Al-Falih has committed to encouraging investment not only from the Kingdom but from countries across the globe.' According to Qadi, Saudi investments send a powerful signal to the international business community that Syria is stable and open for investment. 'The presence of Saudi capital builds trust,' he said. 'It shows that Syria is safe, serious about reform, and prepared to welcome global partnerships.' He emphasized that the large-scale destruction resulting from years of conflict has created opportunities in reconstruction, particularly for real estate developers, contractors, and urban planners. In this context, he said: 'The ruins can be rebuilt into a modern Syria... Before 2011, Syria already had widespread informal housing. Now, we have the opportunity to design cities with green spaces, modern infrastructure, and sustainable architecture - all while preserving local heritage.' Qadi added that the Syrian government sees this as a chance to rebuild in line with global standards. 'Together with our partners, we can build a Syria of 2025, with smart cities, environmentally friendly construction, and livable communities for the next generation,' he underlined. The timing of the forum, he noted, sends a strong political message to skeptics. 'Even as some areas of the country, like Sweida, remain unstable and US lawmakers debate the future of the Caesar Act sanctions, this forum shows that serious investors believe in Syria's future,' he remarked. Qadi expressed hope that Saudi engagement would trigger a ripple effect, saying: 'Together with the Kingdom, we can attract the largest number of investors, companies, and projects. This will create jobs and help Syria become one of the region's most attractive investment destinations.' At a press conference Wednesday night, Syrian Minister of Information Hamza Al-Mustafa officially launched the forum under the auspices of the Supreme Council for Economic Development and in partnership with the Syrian Investment Agency. Al-Mustafa praised Saudi Arabia's role as 'a key player in the Arab regional order and a very important global actor.' He also highlighted the strong historical and cultural ties between the two countries. 'Saudi Arabia holds a special place in the hearts of all Syrians. That's why President Al-Sharaa's first official visit abroad was to Riyadh. Syria received a warm welcome and a clear signal of Saudi commitment to our recovery,' the minister stated. Al-Mustafa further said the forum reflects Syria's readiness to turn the page. 'After decades of authoritarian rule and economic stagnation, Damascus is now presenting itself as a serious opportunity for investors. The soil is fertile, the environment is right, and we welcome all those who want to be part of Syria's renewal,' he affirmed.

Preparations Underway for Two-State Solution Conference at UN Headquarters Next Week
Preparations Underway for Two-State Solution Conference at UN Headquarters Next Week

Asharq Al-Awsat

time2 hours ago

  • Asharq Al-Awsat

Preparations Underway for Two-State Solution Conference at UN Headquarters Next Week

Diplomatic preparations are intensifying ahead of next week's high-level ministerial conference on the two-state solution, to be held at the United Nations headquarters in New York. The conference, co-chaired by French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot and Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, marks a joint Franco-Saudi initiative aimed at reviving momentum toward Israeli-Palestinian peace. A French diplomatic source described the event as a first step in what is intended to become a broader process, paving the way for potential recognition of a Palestinian state. According to the source, France views September as a timely window for such recognition, aligning with the UN General Assembly's high-level meetings. Scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, the conference will feature speeches from UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa. It is seen as a prelude to a larger international conference expected to take place either in Paris or on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly's 80th session. The French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the initiative comes amid what he called the most serious threat to the two-state solution since the Oslo Accords. He pointed to the aftermath of the October 7 Hamas attack, the resulting escalation, and ongoing violence in the West Bank, including rising settler activity, as key obstacles to peace. Despite the devastation, he stressed that Gaza must remain part of the final solution. The conference will focus on four core tracks, or 'baskets,' to help overcome barriers to implementing a two-state outcome. The first includes diplomatic recognition of Palestine by states that have not yet done so, including France. Paris, the source noted, is working to build collective momentum around formal recognition. The second track involves Arab and Islamic nations committing to normalize relations with Israel, contingent on progress toward Palestinian statehood. This normalization is seen as a catalyst for broader regional cooperation. The third component centers on reforming Palestinian governance. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has reportedly conveyed unprecedented commitments to the conference, including condemnation of Hamas' October 7 actions, calls for unconditional release of all hostages, and a pledge to establish a demilitarized Palestinian state. The fourth and final basket concerns the disarmament of Hamas and its exclusion from future Palestinian governance - a measure deemed essential for long-term Israeli security and the viability of a two-state arrangement. The conference will also review proposals developed by nine working groups and 18 co-chairs, with follow-up events expected in Paris or New York this September.

Saudi Arabia welcomes France's move to recognize State of Palestine
Saudi Arabia welcomes France's move to recognize State of Palestine

Saudi Gazette

time10 hours ago

  • Saudi Gazette

Saudi Arabia welcomes France's move to recognize State of Palestine

Saudi Gazette report RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has welcomed French President Emmanuel Macron's announcement of France's intention to formally recognize the State of Palestine, describing the move as a 'historic decision' that reinforces international support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination. In a statement issued Thursday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised France's position as a reaffirmation of global consensus on the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The Kingdom said the move aligns with international law and United Nations resolutions, calling for a just and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue. 'The Kingdom underscores the importance of continued efforts by states to implement international resolutions and uphold international law,' the statement read, emphasizing the diplomatic weight of Macron's pledge. Riyadh also renewed its longstanding call for countries that have not yet recognized the State of Palestine to do so, urging the international community to take serious and effective steps to advance peace and support the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people. President Macron announced on Thursday that France would recognize the State of Palestine during the UN General Assembly session in September. 'Faithful to its historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,' he wrote on X. He underscored the urgency of halting hostilities in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and delivering large-scale humanitarian aid to civilians. Macron also called for the demilitarization of Hamas and a plan to rebuild Gaza. 'The goal must be to build the State of Palestine, ensure its viability, and enable it—by accepting its demilitarization and fully recognizing Israel—to contribute to the security of all in the Middle East,' he said. 'There is no alternative,' Macron added, stressing the French people's desire for peace and calling for a joint effort among Israelis, Palestinians, and international partners to make it a reality. In a letter to the Palestinian Authority president, Macron affirmed France's commitment to peace, citing mutual trust and clear intentions. 'Trust, clarity, and commitment. We will achieve peace,' he concluded.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store