A new report by Human Rights Watch accuses Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), led by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, of enabling serious human rights abuses. The report links the fund to forced displacement, torture, and the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Valued at $900 billion, the PIF has been used to consolidate power. Notably, the 2017 Ritz-Carlton purge saw the detention and abuse of royals and officials, fueling the crown prince’s control over the kingdom’s finances and projects.
The report also highlights the forced eviction of the Howeitat tribe to clear land for the Neom mega-city. It notes that activists opposed to the evictions, including Abdul Rahim al-Howeiti, were punished or killed for resistance.
PIF-linked Sky Prime Aviation played a role in Khashoggi’s murder, with planes used by the Saudi hit squad being owned by the fund. Additionally, the report claims PIF projects like Neom have caused widespread displacement without proper compensation.
Human Rights Watch calls on businesses connected to the PIF, including those backing sports investments like Newcastle United and LIV Golf, to sever ties due to the fund’s involvement in human rights violations.
