UK's Military Aid to Saudi Arabia Criticized by Family of Tortured Detainee

The British family of Rami Naimi, a businessman they allege was abducted and tortured by Saudi Arabian authorities, has condemned the United Kingdom's decision to provide military assistance to the kingdom. The move, approved by Prime Minister Andy Burnham, involves the Royal Air Force (RAF) providing air-to-air refueling support for jets intercepting attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Naimi family contends that the UK government has forgone a crucial opportunity to use this military aid as leverage for Naimi's freedom. Rami Naimi was detained in November 2017 during a purge of figures at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh. His family states that he has since endured torture and abuse, with prolonged periods of uncertainty regarding his whereabouts.

"It is extremely painful to see Britain agreeing to provide military assistance to Saudi Arabia when my husband Rami has been tortured, detained against his will, treated utterly inhumanely by the Saudi authorities and has still not been allowed to return home to his family in the UK," said Mira Lozi, Naimi's wife. She added that the family has requested a meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss Naimi's case, but no agreement has been reached. "If Saudi Arabia is asking Britain for help, then Britain has every right to ask Saudi Arabia to help a British family in return," Lozi stated.

Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC, the family's international legal counsel, described the situation as a "huge, missed opportunity and a moral misstep." Gallagher asserted that the UK government has both the opportunity and the responsibility to raise Naimi's case at the highest level, given the direct military assistance being provided. "Saudi Arabia is asking something important of the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom should ask something important in return: allow Rami to leave Saudi Arabia and finally reunite with his wife and children," she said.

Saudi Arabia requested Western support following Houthi attacks on a vital oil pipeline. These attacks have contributed to rising global oil prices and subsequently increased petrol and diesel prices in the UK. Prime Minister Burnham stated that the agreement for defensive air-to-air refueling was made to secure British interests and regional stability, citing the need to keep trade pathways open.

The family has detailed Naimi's alleged mistreatment, including waterboarding and psychological abuse. Lozi described the past nine years as a "nightmare," recounting his initial arrest at Dubai Airport in 2017, subsequent abduction to Saudi Arabia, and detention at the Ritz-Carlton where he was allegedly tortured for three months. Following a period of house arrest and a settlement agreement, Naimi was subjected to electronic surveillance and travel restrictions.

The family reported that Naimi disappeared again in 2022 for nearly two years, during which time they say he experienced further torture and abuse. He was eventually located in the Al Ha'ir prison and released in March 2025, but has remained under house arrest. Charges have since been filed against him, alleging he exploited his father's official influence and acted as an agent for a U.S. company, leading to a six-year imprisonment after a secret trial. A second trial is reportedly underway concerning his alleged social media activity, which could result in up to 20 years in prison if convicted. The family denies these allegations.

This deployment marks the first new military deployment approved by Prime Minister Burnham since taking office in July.