Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has defended the country’s recent investments in sports, saying that they are not intended to “sportswash” the country’s human rights record.
In a recent interview, Prince Salman said that the investments are part of a wider plan to “diversify” the Saudi economy and “make it more attractive to tourists and businesses.”
He also said that the investments are aimed at “improving the quality of life” for Saudi citizens and “giving them more opportunities to participate in sports.”
The comments come amid growing criticism of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record, which includes allegations of torture, arbitrary detention, and the suppression of dissent.
Some critics have accused the Saudi government of using sport to “sportswash” its human rights record, and to deflect attention from its other human rights abuses.
However, Prince Mohammed bin Salman has denied these allegations, saying that the investments are purely motivated by economic and social factors.
He said: “We are not trying to sportswash anything. We are simply trying to invest in sports because we believe that it is a good thing for our country.”
It remains to be seen whether the Saudi government’s investments in sports will be successful in improving the country’s image.
However, the comments from Prince Salman suggest that the government is aware of the growing criticism of its human rights record, and that it is taking steps to address it.
