Abdulaziz Almuzaini’s career seemed to be at its peak in recent years. As the head of an animation studio in Saudi Arabia, he secured a five-year deal with Netflix in 2020. The cartoon franchise he co-created, “Masameer,” was compared to a Saudi version of “South Park” and gained popularity globally. Despite being publicly celebrated for his contributions to the nascent entertainment industry in Saudi Arabia, behind the scenes, he was embroiled in a trial in a national security court. Saudi prosecutors accused him of promoting extremism through his cartoon series and social media posts, seeking to imprison him for life or impose a travel ban.
In a heartfelt video posted recently and later deleted, the dual U.S.-Saudi citizen and father of three, described his situation, awaiting a final ruling from Saudi Arabia’s Supreme Court. Despite being perceived as a respected figure attending government events and receiving positive media coverage, Mr. Almuzaini was convicted last year for supporting extremist ideology and sentenced to 13 years in prison, followed by a 30-year travel ban.
The case of Mr. Almuzaini sheds light on the conflicting narratives of the new Saudi Arabia under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. While social restrictions have eased and new sectors like entertainment have flourished, political repression has intensified. The duality of these trends raises questions about the kingdom’s commitment to fostering creativity and entrepreneurship amidst shrinking freedom of expression.
The accusations against Mr. Almuzaini were related to his television content and social media posts from a decade ago when public discourse in Saudi Arabia was less restricted. Despite the government’s initial embrace of his work, Mr. Almuzaini faced regulatory violations that escalated into criminal charges. He maintained his loyalty to the kingdom and expressed hope for a resolution, even as he closed his animation studio and faced an uncertain future.
Mr. Almuzaini’s case underscores the challenges faced by artists and entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia amidst a backdrop of social reforms and political crackdowns. His plea for justice and loyalty to the kingdom highlight the complexities of navigating the evolving landscape of the Saudi entertainment industry.