Fact Check: "Al-Jasser's execution marks the first journalist death under Mohammed bin Salman."
What We Know
Turki Al-Jasser, a prominent Saudi journalist, was executed on June 15, 2025, after being convicted of terrorism and treason charges. His execution followed seven years of detention, during which he was accused of running a social media account that criticized the Saudi royal family and raised allegations of corruption against them (AP News). Al-Jasser's case has drawn significant attention, as it marks the first high-profile execution of a journalist under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 (The Guardian).
Human rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders, have condemned the execution, asserting that it reflects the ongoing repression of dissent in Saudi Arabia (Reporters Without Borders). Activists argue that the charges against Al-Jasser were politically motivated and that he faced a secretive trial with little transparency (AP News, The Guardian).
Analysis
The claim that Al-Jasser's execution is the first journalist death under MBS is supported by multiple credible sources. Reporters Without Borders explicitly stated that Al-Jasser is the first journalist to be executed following a death sentence in Saudi Arabia since MBS assumed power (Reporters Without Borders). This assertion is corroborated by the Associated Press, which also highlights the significance of this event in the context of Saudi Arabia's treatment of journalists (AP News).
While the execution of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 was a state-sanctioned murder, it was not an execution in the legal sense, as Khashoggi was killed outside of a judicial process. In contrast, Al-Jasser's case involved a formal conviction and sentencing, albeit under highly questionable circumstances. The lack of transparency in his trial raises concerns about the fairness of the judicial process in Saudi Arabia (The Guardian).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this event is high. The Associated Press is a well-respected international news agency, and The Guardian is known for its investigative journalism and coverage of human rights issues. Both outlets have provided detailed accounts of Al-Jasser's case and the broader implications for press freedom in Saudi Arabia.
Conclusion
The claim that "Al-Jasser's execution marks the first journalist death under Mohammed bin Salman" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Turki Al-Jasser is the first journalist to be executed under MBS's rule, following a secretive trial and amid a broader crackdown on dissent in the kingdom. This execution underscores the ongoing risks faced by journalists in Saudi Arabia and highlights the authoritarian nature of the current regime.
