Human rights groups have slammed FIFA’s announcement that Saudi Arabia will be hosting the men’s 2034 World Cup, highlighting continued repression in the country and the Kingdom’s attempts to sportswash the escalating use of the death penalty.
2024 has been a record year for executions in Saudi Arabia.
“This is one of the world’s most brutal authoritarian regimes spending vast sums of money to create a false image, to distract from worsening repression and state violence,” Reprieve told The BBC.
“Some of those executed or currently facing a death sentence are protesters or have done nothing more serious than be caught with small amounts of cannabis.”
“Fans planning to travel to Saudi Arabia in 2034 should be aware that this is a country where exercising freedoms we take for granted in democratic societies can get you killed.”
Migrant workers groups, human rights organisations and international trade unions – 21 organisations in total – have signed a joint statement underscoring that this is a “moment of great danger” for human rights, reports The Big Issue.