Saudi Arabia executes journalist after 7 years in prison over social media posts
Saudi Arabia has executed a journalist who spent seven years in prison on charges of terrorism and treason. Rights groups say the charges were linked to posts he made on social media, the Associated Press (AP) reported.
Turki Al-Jasser, a journalist in his late 40s, was put to death on Saturday after the country's top court upheld his death sentence, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Al-Jasser was arrested in 2018 after security forces raided his home and seized his computer and phones. It remains unclear where he was tried or how long the trial lasted.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a New York-based watchdog, said Al-Jasser was accused of operating a social media account on X, which had published allegations of corruption involving members of the Saudi royal family. He had also posted critical comments about armed groups.
Carlos Martínez de la Serna, CPJ's programme director, told AP that 'the international community's failure to deliver justice for Jamal Khashoggi did not just betray one journalist.' He added it had 'emboldened de facto ruler Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to continue his persecution of the press.'
Jeed Basyouni from Reprieve, a group that campaigns against the death penalty, told AP that Al-Jasser was 'tried and convicted in total secrecy for the 'crime' of journalism.'
Al-Jasser had written articles on the Arab Spring, women's rights, and corruption. He also ran a personal blog between 2013 and 2015.
Saudi Arabia has long faced criticism for its use of capital punishment. According to human rights groups, the kingdom carried out 330 executions in 2024.
Last month, a British analyst working for Bank of America was sentenced to ten years in prison in Saudi Arabia, reportedly over a deleted social media post, his lawyer told AP.
In another case, Saad Almadi, a dual US-Saudi national, was jailed in 2021 over tweets posted while he was living in the United States. He was released in 2023 but is barred from leaving the country.
In 2018, Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. US intelligence agencies concluded that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the operation, though Saudi Arabia has denied his involvement.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
33 minutes ago
- Time of India
Jammu and Kashmir: Parents of students in Iran demand evacuation
Representative image (AP) SRINAGAR: Parents of students studying in Iran staged a protest Sunday in Srinagar, demanding immediate evacuation as missile exchanges between Israel and Iran entered a third consecutive day. J&K CM Omar Abdullah said his government is in close touch with ministry of external affairs and monitoring the situation in Tehran, Shiraz, Qom, and other affected cities. 'A decision to evacuate, if necessary, will be taken based on the ground situation, with student safety as the top priority,' Abdullah said. 'We will keep everyone informed as the situation develops. As a parent, I assure all families of my government's close and continuous attention to this important developing situation.' According to J&K Students Association (JKSA), more than 1,300 Indian students are stuck in the war in Iran. Many had chosen Iranian universities for their affordability, especially for medical education. JKSA convenor Nasir Khuehami said students are facing increasing insecurity. 'They've reported hearing sirens, feeling tremors, and witnessing heightened military activity,' he said. 'Some are in cities that have already been hit.' National Conference MP Aga Ruhullah said Israeli airstrikes struck Hujat Dost Ali hostel in Tehran, where several Kashmiri students are housed. 'Some have suffered minor injuries,' he said, urging Union government to relocate the students within Iran or evacuate them once the airspace reopens. Dozens of parents gathered at Srinagar's Press Enclave, holding photos of their children and playing voice recordings from students stuck in Iran. 'They are calling us and saying they are in a very tough situation. They need immediate evacuation,' said a woman, whose son is in Tehran. Another parent, whose daughter is studying medicine at Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, shared a message: 'We are constantly living in fear as air attacks are happening every now and then. We either need shelter or evacuation.'
Mint
34 minutes ago
- Mint
Who is Arturo Gamboa, man allegedly responsible for killing demonstrator during 'No Kings' protest rally in Utah?
Law enforcement officers have taken into custody the man allegedly responsible for shooting and killing a demonstrator, during the 'No Kings' protest rally in Utah on June 14. Protestors had gathered in large numbers across the country on June 14 to protest against Donald Trump's immigration policies, but little did they know that one of the demonstrators would have to lose their life in the ongoing protest. Arturo Gamboa, is a 24-year-old man, who is believed to be a part of the peacekeeping team of the 'No Kings' protest. There is still no clue as to why he suddenly pulled out his rifle and allegedly shot a demonstrator during the ongoing rally. According to police authorities, Gamboa was responsible for creating the dangerous situation that led to bystander Arthur Folasa Ah Loo's death. Ah Loo succumbed in the hospital to the fatal shot by Gamboa, according to authorities. Gamboa was reportedly treated at a hospital for his injuries and then sent to the Salt Lake County Metro Jail, and has been booked for a murder charge. When the gunshots went off, it sent dozens of protestors running in different directions, some hiding behind barriers, while some fled into parking garages and nearby businesses, police said in an official statement. 'That's a gun. Come on, come on, get out," someone can be heard saying in a video posted to social media that appears to show the events, reads an AP report. The Utah chapter of the 50501 Movement, which helped organize the protests of June 14, said in an official statement on Instagram that they condemned the violence. 'The Utah chapter did not immediately respond to AP questions about the peacekeeping team. It was unclear who hired them, whether they were volunteers or what their training was prior to the event,' the AP report says about the background of the peacekeeping team that Gamboa was believed to be a part of.
India Gazette
34 minutes ago
- India Gazette
Air India plane crash: Teams in UK, Ahmedabad working around the clock, says High Commissioner Cameron
Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], June 15 (ANI): UK High Commissioner to India, Lindy Cameron, shared updates on support being provided to the affected families and friends of British nationals after the tragic Air India Plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. Sharing a video message on X, Envoy Cameron wrote, 'Our consular team and local partners are on the ground in Ahmedabad, offering care and support to affected families and friends of British nationals following the tragic plane crash. High Commissioner@Lindy_Cameronvisited the UK Consular Reception Centre today.' 'This has been an incredibly difficult time and our thoughts are with everybody affected by this devastating incident. Teams in the UK and here in Ahmedabad are working around the clock to ensure that we're able to support British nationals, friends and families affected. The investigation is ongoing and the UK and India are working closely together to establish the facts,' Cameron said. She informed that a team of expert UK air accident investigators has arrived in India and is supporting the Indian-led investigation here on the ground. 'Please continue to check our travel advice for the latest updates. And once again I just want to say thank you to the authorities here in Ahmedabad and to so many people in this city who have come forward to help. That's what I said to Prime Minister Modi when I met him earlier in the week', she said. 'Our consular team and local partners are on the ground in Ahmedabad, offering care and support to affected families and friends of British nationals following the tragic plane crash. High Commissioner @Lindy_Cameron visited the UK Consular Reception Centre today', the post on X noted. In another post on X, the British High Commission said, 'British nationals who require assistance, or have concerns for family or friends call: +91 (11) 2419 2100 (in India), +44 (0) 207 008 5000 (in the UK)' Following the AI-171 plane crash in Ahmedabad, the State Government has initiated intensive rescue and relief operations with immediate effect. Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, a dedicated government apparatus was activated within minutes to ensure swift and coordinated response efforts, said a statement from the CMO. Twelve teams are engaged in DNA sampling operations in shifts to carry out DNA matching procedures. In parallel, counselling support is being provided to the affected families. The Health Department has also deployed over 855 health personnel, including 100 healthcare workers at the trauma center, to support medical relief operations. This includes both regular Civil Hospital staff and supplementary manpower deployed specifically for this emergency response. As of now, a total of 250 blood samples have been collected from the relatives of passengers and local residents affected by the incident. Among these, 62 DNA matches have been established. Of the matched cases, 27 mortal remains have been handed over to the respective families. Additionally, 8 mortal remains, identified without the need for DNA testing, were handed over to the families day before yesterday. In total, 35 mortal remains have been handed over thus far. Only the samples of relatives of 3 passengers remain pending. These relatives are currently residing in the U.K. and are expected to arrive in the next 2-3 days to provide their samples. To coordinate the handover process of mortal remains and maintain continuous communication with the families of the deceased passengers, the district administration has appointed over 250 Nodal and Assistant Nodal Officers. Supervisory officers have also been designated to ensure that all procedures are conducted smoothly and in an organised manner. A dedicated team from Air India is present at the Civil Hospital around the clock. As more family members of the crash victims arrive, arrangements for air travel are being provided free of cost based on their individual needs. Earlier in the day, Air India expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members in the crash of Flight AI 171, reaffirming its commitment to supporting the families and loved ones of those affected, an official statement said. On Thursday, June 12, the Air India flight was en route to London from Ahmedabad when it crashed shortly after taking off from the airport and rammed into a doctors' hostel of BJ Medical College in Gujarat's Ahmedabad. Air India confirmed that it has successfully established contact with the next of kin of all passengers and crew. Over 400 family members have already arrived in Ahmedabad and are being supported by dedicated teams on the ground. 'Air India remains in mourning on the tragic loss of 241 passengers and crew members aboard flight AI171. Our hearts are with the families, loved ones, and communities affected by the accident,' the statement said. 'We have established contact with the next of kin/relatives of all passengers and crew members, expressing our condolences and helping them with the next steps. Over 400 family members have reached Ahmedabad and are being assisted by our teams on the ground,' it added. 'Every affected family in Ahmedabad has been assigned at least one caregiver by Air India. Air India is working closely with other Tata group companies to provide every possible assistance to the families and loved ones of those deceased, which remains our number one priority,' the airline said. (ANI)
