Saudi journalist Turki al-Jasser was arrested in 2018 for allegedly running a social media account that exposed corruption in the royal family. He was held in secret, tortured, and denied legal help or contact with his family. In 2025, after seven years in prison, Saudi Arabia executed him. Al-Jasser had written about sensitive issues like women’s rights and the Arab Spring. His death follows a rise in executions, over 100 so far in 2025. In 2024, the country executed 330 people, nearly double the number from 2023. This was the highest number of executions in decades. Rights groups and the UN have repeatedly asked the Saudi government to stop executions and ensure fair legal treatment. His execution has caused outrage and shows the Saudi government’s harsh actions against freedom of speech and its ongoing use of the death penalty.
Pray for the end of the death penalty in Saudi Arabia. Pray for the Saudi regime to end oppressive action against rights defenders. Pray for more freedom of expression in the country (The Holy Bible, Psalm 17:8-10).
Pray for fair and transparent trials and prosecutions in allegations against rights defenders in Saudi Arabia. Pray for justice to prevail in the country (The Holy Bible, Proverbs 29:26).
News Source: Committee To Protect Journalists
Image Source: Canva
