From "Chop Chop Square" to Family Space: Saudi Arabia's Transformation of Al-Adl Square Amid Record Executions

Dec 17, 2025 02:34 am CST

Saudi Arabia's notorious Al-Adl Square, once known as "Chop Chop Square" for its public executions, has been transformed into a family-friendly area with cafes and fountains. While the kingdom presents a modernizing image, it has simultaneously broken records for executions, with 340 conducted behind prison walls this year. This transformation reflects Saudi Arabia's complex balance between maintaining traditional justice systems while projecting a more moderate international image.