Fact Check: "Al-Jasser is the first journalist executed under Mohammed bin Salman’s rule."
What We Know
Turki Al-Jasser, a prominent Saudi journalist, was executed on June 14, 2025, after being convicted on charges of terrorism and treason. He had been imprisoned for seven years prior to his execution, which was confirmed by the official Saudi Press Agency (AP News). Activist groups have claimed that the charges against him were fabricated, aimed at silencing dissent in the kingdom (Washington Post). The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) highlighted that Al-Jasser was accused of managing a social media account that criticized Saudi royals and posted controversial content regarding militant groups (CPJ).
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Al-Jasser is noted as the first journalist to be executed under the rule of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has been in power since 2015 (RSF). This execution follows a broader trend of increasing repression against journalists and dissenters in Saudi Arabia, where the government has faced international criticism for its human rights record (AP News).
Analysis
The claim that Turki Al-Jasser is the first journalist executed under Mohammed bin Salman’s rule is supported by multiple credible sources. Reporters Without Borders explicitly states that he is the first journalist to be sentenced to death and executed since the Crown Prince took power in 2015 (RSF). This assertion is corroborated by the CPJ, which emphasizes the implications of Al-Jasser's execution in the context of ongoing repression of the press in Saudi Arabia (CPJ).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they are well-established organizations known for their focus on press freedom and human rights. Both AP News and the Washington Post are reputable news outlets that provide detailed accounts of the events surrounding Al-Jasser's case, including the context of his arrest and the nature of the charges against him (AP News, Washington Post).
Critics of the Saudi regime, including human rights advocates, have pointed out that the lack of transparency in Al-Jasser's trial raises significant concerns about the legitimacy of the charges and the judicial process (CPJ). This aligns with broader patterns of human rights abuses in the kingdom, where dissent is often met with severe repercussions.
Conclusion
The claim that Turki Al-Jasser is the first journalist executed under Mohammed bin Salman’s rule is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that his execution marks a significant and troubling milestone in the ongoing repression of free speech and press freedom in Saudi Arabia.
Sources
- Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars. Activists ...
- Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars. Activists ...
- Reign of terror in Saudi Arabia: the execution of journalist Turki al ...
- Saudi Arabia executes journalist Turki al-Jasser on treason, terrorism ...
- A Saudi journalist tweeted against the government
