Saudi Arabia has executed 330 people this year, the highest figure in decades, according to a report prepared by the human rights organization Reprieve and verified by Reuters. This increase in executions contradicts statements by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in 2022, who had said the death penalty would be limited to murder cases.
More than 150 people have been executed for non-lethal crimes, including drug trafficking and non-lethal terrorism charges, charges often used against anti-government protesters, according to human rights organizations. Most of those executed are foreign nationals from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.
This record figure comes at a time when Bin Salman is promoting Vision 2030, an ambitious plan to transform the country's image from a conservative state to a tourism and entertainment hub. However, critics say these reforms mask a deterioration in human rights.
Saudi authorities did not respond to detailed questions from Reuters about the execution figures. The prince has previously said he cannot change the death penalty for murder as it is part of Islamic law.
Saudi Arabia continues to face international criticism for a lack of justice, including the use of torture to obtain testimony and the death penalty for minors. (A2 Televizion)
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