Saudi authorities killed hundreds of migrants at the Saudi-Yemen border in what may have amounted to crimes against humanity in 2023, despite spending billions of dollars to boost their reputation. Along with unjust trials and cruel detention procedures, the government often condemned people to death or decades in jail for their social media activities. The Saudi government tries to hide the ways in which it routinely abuses human rights by using the Public Investment Fund to finance extravagant sporting events and increase its power.
A Facade of modernity
The billions of money it invests shouldn’t shield it from criticism over its terrible human rights record, which includes possible crimes against humanity. In addition to wartime atrocities and the restriction of human rights, 2023 was also a year marked by selective government indignation and transactional diplomacy, which had a severe negative impact on the rights of people who were not parties to the agreement.However, governments to constantly respect their commitments under international human rights law and notes that there were also signals of optimism, suggesting that a new course may be possible. Between March 2022 and June 2023, at least hundreds of Ethiopian migrants and asylum seekers attempted to cross the Yemen-Saudi border, only to be slain by Saudi border guards. These executions would constitute a crime against humanity if they were carried out in line with Saudi Arabia’s official policy of murdering migrants.
Persistent reality
The Public Investment Fund (PIF), Saudi Arabia’s $700 billion sovereign wealth fund, which Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman controls unilaterally and with no accountability or transparency, has allowed him to solidify his economic dominance. Leaked medical papers, presumably intended for King Salman of Saudi Arabia, claim that political detainees in the kingdom are suffering from burns, wounds, bruises, and malnourishment.
Though the government denies that men and women detained are being tortured, it appears to offer the first official proof from inside the royal court that political detainees are subjected to serious physical abuse. King Salman will receive the medical findings and suggestions, which reportedly include the possibility of an early release for convicts with severe health issues or even a possible pardon for all of the inmates. The announcement of the PIF and Professional Golfers’ Association (PGA) merger effectively made it possible for the Saudi government to “sportswash” its appalling human rights record because it gave it unprecedented power and influence over professional golf’s upper echelons. The deal is unclear, has come under examination, and doesn’t seem to be complete.
Human rights violations
Saudi authorities are increasingly focusing on social media users and punishing them for using their right to free expression by imposing decades-long terms or even capital punishment. Muhammad al-Ghamdi, a retired teacher, was found guilty by the nation’s infamous Specialized Criminal Court in July of many felonies pertaining to his nonviolent social media activities and was given the death penalty. Judges and prosecutors also exploit ambiguous cybercrimes statutes to pursue cases against those accused of engaging in extramarital affairs. Loujain al-Hathloul and other women’s rights activists are still prohibited from traveling and have a suspended prison term, which permits the Saudi government to send them back to jail. Other human rights advocates continue to be unjustly detained on suspicion of using their right to free speech.
International response and accountability
Saudi Arabia targets religious minorities and represses dissent by using sections of overbroad anti-terrorism laws. Egyptian physician Sabri Shalabi, 66, was sentenced to ten years in prison after what seems to have been an unjust trial on terrorism-related accusations as payback for a disagreement at work. After Hassan al-Rabea was successfully deported from Morocco, Saudi Arabia attempted to prosecute him for acts of terrorism. This comes after Saudi Arabia targeted other al-Rabea family members for terrorist and protest-related charges; one of them is expected to be executed. The death sentence is still applied by Saudi authorities, even in cases of nonviolent offenses. Hussein Abu al-Kheir was put to death by Saudi authorities in March following his conviction for a misdemeanor narcotics offense. There were claims of torture and a coerced confession throughout the trial.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The exploitative kafala system for foreign laborers is still enforced by Saudi authorities. Kafala remains the foundation for workers’ susceptibility to mistreatment, including forced labor, even after recent improvements. In response to allegations that certain female activists have been tortured to electric shocks and lashings while in incarceration, pressure on Saudi Arabia regarding the imprisonment and treatment of political detainees has increased recently.