Fact Check: "Saudi crown prince could have intervened in al-Jasser's execution."
What We Know
On June 14, 2025, Saudi Arabia executed journalist Turki al-Jasser, who had been imprisoned since 2018 on charges of terrorism and treason, which many activists claim were fabricated (AP News, The Guardian). Al-Jasser was known for his critical views on the Saudi government, particularly regarding corruption and human rights abuses. His execution marked the first high-profile killing of a journalist in Saudi Arabia since the murder of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 (The Guardian, CPJ).
Legal experts have noted that under Saudi law, the crown prince or the king must approve all executions, indicating that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) had the legal authority to intervene in al-Jasser's case (The Guardian, Los Angeles Times). Activists and human rights organizations have condemned the execution, arguing that it reflects a broader pattern of repression against dissent in Saudi Arabia, particularly against those who criticize the crown prince (CPJ, Genocide Watch).
Analysis
The claim that the Saudi crown prince could have intervened in al-Jasser's execution is substantiated by Saudi legal practices, which require royal approval for capital punishment (The Guardian). This legal framework implies that MBS had the power to prevent the execution if he chose to do so.
The credibility of the sources reporting on this issue is generally high. Major news outlets like the Associated Press and The Guardian are well-established and have a track record of investigative journalism, particularly in matters related to human rights and governance in Saudi Arabia (AP News, The Guardian). Additionally, organizations like the Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders provide expert commentary and analysis on press freedom issues, further supporting the reliability of the information presented (CPJ, RSF).
Critics of the Saudi regime, including human rights advocates, have pointed out that the lack of accountability following Khashoggi's murder has emboldened the crown prince to continue silencing dissenting voices through extreme measures, including execution (AP News, Genocide Watch). This context reinforces the notion that MBS's involvement or lack thereof in al-Jasser's execution is part of a broader strategy to eliminate opposition.
Conclusion
The claim that the Saudi crown prince could have intervened in al-Jasser's execution is True. The legal framework in Saudi Arabia clearly indicates that royal approval is necessary for executions, and the crown prince's failure to intervene suggests a deliberate choice to allow the execution to proceed. This aligns with the ongoing pattern of repression against dissent in the kingdom, particularly against those who criticize the crown prince.
Sources
- Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind ...
- A Saudi journalist tweeted against the government
- Saudi Arabia executes journalist Turki al-Jasser on treason ...
- Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years in prison
- Saudi Arabia executes dissident journalist Turki al-Jasser
- Saudi Arabia executes journalist over social media posts
- Reign of terror in Saudi Arabia: the execution of journalist ...
- Saudi Arabia Executed a Prominent Journalist who ...
