Saudi Arabia Executes Journalist Turki Al-Jasser on Terrorism, Treason Charges

Saudi journalist Turki Al-Jasser, arrested in 2018 and convicted on terrorism and treason charges, has been executed following the confirmation of his death sentence by the kingdom's highest court. Authorities accused him of running a social media account that criticized corruption among Saudi royals and posted controversial comments about militants, charges that activists claim were fabricated to silence his journalism. Human rights groups and the Committee to Protect Journalists condemned the execution, emphasizing it as part of a broader crackdown on press freedom under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, especially in the aftermath of the unresolved killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Al-Jasser was reportedly tried in secret with no clear details about the trial's location or duration. Advocates argue his execution highlights the extreme penalties journalists face in Saudi Arabia for dissent and criticism of the ruling authorities. The case has drawn renewed international attention to Saudi Arabia's use of capital punishment against perceived political opponents and critics.