Saudi Arabia: Prohibition on Walid Abu Al-Khair's Travel to the U.S. (Question Taken)

Question: What is the U.S. reaction to reports that Saudi human rights activist and lawyer, Walid Abu Al-Khair, was prohibited by Saudi authorities from coming to the United States to attend a U.S. Government sponsored educational forum?

Answer: We regret that Walid Abu Al-Khair was stopped by Saudi authorities at the Jeddah airport and prohibited from traveling to the United States to attend a forum on democratic leadership. United States officials are reaching out to Saudi authorities to seek clarification on this issue.