Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) is hailed for his efforts to modernize Saudi Arabia with technological advancements and social reforms, like allowing women to drive and legalizing cinemas. However, beneath these reforms lies a strict regime that silences dissent and curbs freedom of expression.

The Case of Abdulaziz Al-Muzaini

Abdulaziz Al-Muzaini, a U.S.-Saudi filmmaker known for co-creating the popular Netflix animation series “Masameer,” is the latest victim of this crackdown. The show, which satirizes life in Saudi Arabia, quickly gained traction on YouTube, leading to a five-year production deal with Netflix in 2020.

Despite the show’s success, authorities took offense at its daring content. In June, Al-Muzaini revealed that he was secretly prosecuted by a Saudi court for allegedly “supporting terrorism and homosexuality” through his work. Originally sentenced to 13 years in prison and a 13-year travel ban, his appeal led to an even harsher sentence—30 years without travel.

A Broader Repression of Creativity

Al-Muzaini is not alone. Other Saudi creatives like Hatem Al-Najjar, the host of the popular podcast “Muraba,” have also faced government pressure. Al-Najjar was detained after a social media campaign demanded his arrest over a controversial podcast episode. Similarly, social media influencer Mansour Al-Raqiba was sentenced to 27 years in prison for criticizing MBS’s Vision 2030 economic plan.

The Price of Innovation

While MBS claims to desire a dynamic and innovative Saudi Arabia, the reality is far different. The repression of creative voices like Abdulaziz Al-Muzaini highlights a regime more focused on maintaining unchallenged power than on fostering genuine national progress.