Brahim Saadoun Expresses Gratitude to Moroccan, Saudi Royal Families

Casablanca – Brahim Saadoun, the Moroccan student sentenced to death by a court in Donetsk and released on September 21, returned home to Casablanca last night from Saudi Arabia.

In a statement to the media, Saadoun expressed his gratitude to the Moroccan and Saudi Royal families for their intervention in his release. “Words cannot describe how I feel. I didn’t believe it at first, I only really realized [what was happening] once I arrived in Saudi Arabia, where I was very well received after my release,” he said.

The young Moroccan student also thanked the Moroccan community that supported him during the difficult period he went through while detained as a war prisoner in the self-proclaimed, pro-Russia Donetsk People Republic in Eastern Ukraine.

Saadoun’s father expressed his gratitude to King Mohammed VI, conveying the “immense” joy and satisfaction of finally being able to take his son in his arms after months of suffering and distress.

“My son is finally back home, our joy is immense. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI; it is thanks to his intervention that Brahim is with us today,” said Tahar Saadoun.

As a result of Saudi Arabia’s mediation with Russia, Brahim Saadoun was transferred to the Gulf country as part of a prisoner exchange between Moscow and Kiev.

The Moroccan was among ten prisoners of war from several countries who were on a priority list. The Moroccan student had been sentenced to death on June 9, 2022, with a Donetsk court charging him with participating in the Ukraine war as a Ukrainian “mercenary.”