Saudi Arabia has executed 330 individuals this year, marking the highest number of executions in decades. This surge comes despite de facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman’s 2022 claim that the death penalty would be abolished except for murder cases, as part of his vision for a more open kingdom.

The kingdom is investing billions to reshape its image from one associated with strict religious laws and human rights abuses to a thriving tourism and entertainment destination under the Vision 2030 initiative led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MbS).

According to a report by the human rights NGO Reprieve, verified by Reuters, this year’s execution total represents a significant increase from 172 executions in 2023 and 196 in 2022. Reprieve described this as the highest figure ever recorded.

Jeed Basyouni from Reprieve stated, “This reform is built on a house of cards that is built on record numbers of executions.” Despite facing criticism from rights groups, Saudi Arabia denies allegations of human rights abuses, asserting that its actions are necessary for national security.

The report revealed that more than 150 individuals were executed for non-lethal offenses, primarily related to alleged drug trafficking, particularly in connection with the influx of captagon from Syria. Additionally, some executions involved charges of non-lethal terrorism, which rights advocates argue are often levied against those involved in anti-government protests.

The total included over 100 foreign nationals from regions including the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Rights organizations have also accused Saudi authorities of sentencing minors to death and employing torture to extract confessions.

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Historically, Saudi Arabia conducted weekly public executions by beheading in town squares; however, these areas have since transformed into cafes and restaurants, with little indication of their violent past.