After Seven Years of Detention… Saudi Arabia Executes Journalist Turki Al-Jasser
In yet another crime that exposes the reality of systematic repression in Saudi Arabia, the authorities have executed Saudi journalist Turki bin Abdulaziz Al-Jasser today, following more than seven years of arbitrary detention, torture, and an unfair trial based on fabricated charges related solely to his peaceful expression.
On March 15, 2018, a unit from the State Security Investigations force raided Al-Jasser’s home in a brutal manner, without presenting any legal warrant, accusing him of operating a critical Twitter account under the pseudonym “Kashkool”, known for peacefully criticizing government policies and human rights violations.
During his detention, Al-Jasser was subjected to multiple forms of physical and psychological torture, denied access to legal representation, and deprived of a fair trial. According to the statement issued today by the Saudi Ministry of Interior, he faced vague charges including “high treason,” “collaborating with foreign entities,” and “funding terrorism” — common accusations used by Saudi authorities to silence journalists, dissidents, and activists.
Sanad Human Rights Organization strongly condemns the execution of Turki Al-Jasser as a blatant violation of the right to life, amounting to an act of extrajudicial killing. The execution lacked any fair legal procedures and reflects the Saudi regime’s intent to silence independent voices and instill fear in society to deter any peaceful criticism or opposition.
The organization holds the Saudi authorities — foremost among them Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman — fully responsible for the extrajudicial killing of journalist Turki Al-Jasser.
Sanad calls on the international community, human rights organizations, and the United Nations to fulfill their responsibilities by applying genuine pressure to end the wave of political executions in Saudi Arabia, release all prisoners of conscience, and hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable under international law.
