Increase in executions in Saudi Arabia

(Patria) - Saudi Arabia has executed 330 people this year, the highest number recorded in decades, despite claims by Crown Prince and de facto leader Mohammed bin Salman in 2022 that the death penalty had been abolished except in cases of murder, as part of his vision for a new and more open Kingdom.

Saudi Arabia is spending billions to transform its image from a country with strict religious restrictions and human rights violations into a hub for tourism and entertainment, according to the "Vision 2030" plan presented by the Crown Prince.

The latest statistics on the number of executions, compiled by the human rights NGO Reprieve based on public announcements and verified by Reuters, represent a significant jump from 172 last year and 196 recorded in 2022. Reprieve stated that this is the highest number ever documented.

"This reform is built on a house of cards that is, in turn, built on a record number of executions," said Jeed Basyouni, who works with the NGO.

Saudi Arabia denies accusations of human rights violations, claiming its actions are aimed at protecting national security.

More than 150 people have been executed this year for non-lethal crimes, which the organization said is contrary to international law.

The executions primarily relate to alleged drug smuggling amid a surge in large quantities of amphetamine-like substances from Syria.

Additionally, individuals accused of non-lethal terrorism have been executed, a charge that human rights groups say is often used against participants in anti-government protests.

The number includes over 100 foreign nationals from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

The Saudi government's communications office did not respond to Reuters' detailed questions about the number of executions.

In a 2022 interview with The Atlantic magazine, the Crown Prince stated that Saudi Arabia had abolished the death penalty, except in cases of murder, where he said he had no authority as murder is punishable by death according to the Quran.