Fact Check: "Saudi journalist executed for high treason, first since Khashoggi's murder."
What We Know
On June 15, 2025, Saudi Arabia executed journalist Turki Al-Jasser, who had been imprisoned since 2018 on charges of terrorism and treason. His execution was confirmed by the official Saudi Press Agency, which stated that the death penalty had been upheld by the nation's top court (AP News). Activist groups have criticized the charges against Al-Jasser, claiming they were fabricated and politically motivated, stemming from his critical social media posts about the Saudi government (The Guardian).
This execution marks a significant event as it is the first high-profile killing of a journalist in Saudi Arabia since the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi in October 2018. Khashoggi was murdered by agents of the Saudi government in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, an act that drew international condemnation and highlighted the kingdom's crackdown on dissent (NPR, Wikipedia).
Analysis
The claim that Turki Al-Jasser's execution is the first since Khashoggi's murder is supported by multiple credible sources. The Associated Press and The Guardian both report that Al-Jasser's execution is a continuation of the Saudi government's harsh stance against dissent and criticism, particularly in the wake of Khashoggi's murder, which has set a precedent for the treatment of journalists in the kingdom (AP News, The Guardian).
The credibility of these sources is high; the Associated Press is a well-respected news organization known for its rigorous fact-checking and journalistic standards. The Guardian, a leading British newspaper, also has a strong reputation for investigative journalism, particularly in matters related to human rights.
Moreover, the context surrounding Al-Jasser's execution is critical. Human rights organizations have condemned the Saudi government's actions, stating that the lack of accountability for Khashoggi's murder has emboldened the regime to continue persecuting journalists (CPJ). This pattern of behavior indicates a systemic issue within the Saudi government regarding freedom of expression and the treatment of dissenters.
Conclusion
The claim that a Saudi journalist was executed for high treason, marking the first such execution since Jamal Khashoggi's murder, is True. The execution of Turki Al-Jasser not only reflects the ongoing repression of free speech in Saudi Arabia but also underscores the implications of Khashoggi's assassination, which has seemingly set a dangerous precedent for the treatment of journalists and critics in the kingdom.
Sources
- 5 years after Jamal Khashoggi's murder, human rights groups call for ...
- Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars. Activists ...
- Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi - Wikipedia
- Saudi Arabia executes journalist over terrorism and treason charges
- A Saudi journalist tweeted against the government
- Saudi Arabia executes journalist Turki al-Jasser on treason ...
- Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars - Los ...
- Saudi Arabia executes a journalist after 7 years behind bars
