Saudi Arabia has witnessed an unprecedented surge in executions this year, with at least 241 people put to death so far in 2025. Among those executed was Turki al-Jasser, a journalist widely known for exposing corruption within the royal family. 

His death has sparked international concern over the kingdom’s use of the death penalty, particularly amid allegations it is being employed to silence dissent. Tsepiso Makwetla spoke to Joey Shea, researcher for Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates at Human Rights Watch, about the implications of this development.