The family of Rami Naimi, a businessman allegedly abducted by Saudi authorities, has expressed frustration over the lack of progress in securing his release after nine years of quiet diplomacy. Naimi was reportedly taken in Dubai in 2017 while returning from Australia with his father. Despite ongoing efforts, his British family claims that diplomatic channels have yielded no results in addressing his situation.
He was then held for two years. A father of three and son of former Saudi oil minister and Aramco chief Ali Al-Naimi, the businessman was detained again in 2022.
“The first thing I wanted to do was speak out, but I was told no,” said his wife, Mira Lozi, speaking alongside her son at a campaign launch to bring Naimi home in London on Tuesday. “For nine years my children and I have lived through a nightmare,” she said. “Saying the truth today is like a liberation, enough is enough and we’re just hoping that we can end this nightmare and all the governments will be able to help us.”
Last year, he was sentenced to six years in prison following a secret trial.
His trial will also be based on his reported attempt to leave the country without permission. Naimi faces a second trial in Saudi Arabia over claims that he followed X accounts critical of the government. He denies both allegations, The Guardian report added.
His wife Lozi, who is fighting cancer, said she was urged to remain silent since 2017 to help secure his release.
He has no idea, the family said, of their decision to go public with his case.
