A Saudi defector, Colonel Rabih Al-Anzi, spoke about alleged violations related to the "NEOM" project, the futuristic city that is considered a fundamental part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which the country relies on for its massive development plan.

According to his statements, he was issued an order in 2020 to carry out forced evacuations against members of the al-Huwaitat tribe living in areas included in the project's plans.

The orders included the use of lethal force against anyone who refused to evacuate. Al-Anzi refused to carry out the mission and decided to leave the Kingdom for exile in Britain.

The "NEOM" project, which is estimated to cost $500 billion, is being built against the backdrop of forced evacuations that included more than 6,000 people, according to government estimates, but human rights organizations believe the number is higher.

Human rights reports indicate that some tribe members have faced secret trials, and some have been convicted on charges related to terrorism, with death sentences issued against a number of them.

It is worth noting that "NEOM" is promoted as a carbon-free city that relies on the latest technologies, but criticism is mounting about the project's impact on indigenous populations and their rights.

While the project is viewed as an ambitious vision, these allegations cast a shadow on the project's international image.