Saudi Arabia tells UN it will prosecute those responsible for death of Khashoggi
GENEVA (Reuters) – Saudi Arabia told the UN on Monday it would prosecute those responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at its Istanbul consulate, as Western states pressed it to conduct a credible investigation.
The head of the Saudi government delegation, Dr. Bandar bin Mohammed Al-Aiban noted that this was its first UN review of the kingdom’s record in five years. The kingdom heard calls from more than 40 countries, including the US, who called for a thorough inquiry as well as a string of rights reforms.
Aiban told the hearing that King Salman instructed the Saudi public prosecutor to “proceed with the investigation into this case according to the applicable laws” in order to establish the facts and “bringing all the perpetrators to justice.” Furthermore, he continued: “In regards to the passing of citizen Khashoggi, our country is committed to carrying out a fair investigation and all persons involved with that crime will be prosecuted in the justice system.”
Aiban provided no further details on the status or whereabouts of the 18 Saudi nationals detained in connection with the case and repeatedly declined to answer journalists’ questions on the topic. “The case is still under investigation, as you know...I think my statement was very clear,” he said.
Khashoggi’s sons on Monday demanded the return of his body. Khashoggi was a Washington Post columnist and critic of the Saudi government, who disappeared at the consulate on October 2.
Saudi officials initially insisted Khashoggi had left the consulate, then said he died in an unplanned “rogue operation.” The kingdom’s public prosecutor, Saud al-Mojeb later said he was killed in a premeditated attack.
“We condemn this premeditated killing,” US Chargé d’Affaires Mark Cassayre told the Geneva talks. “A thorough, conclusive and transparent investigation carried out in accordance with due process with results made public is essential,” he said.
Many Western delegations called on Riyadh to abolish the death penalty and the system of male guardianship over women, and to narrow the definition of “terrorism” in law so that peaceful critics are not prosecuted.
France’s ambassador François Rivasseau called on Saudi Arabia to “immediately halt imprisonment and arbitrary arrests” of journalists and activists, and to guarantee freedom of religion.
On Friday, the Saudi delegation is due to report which recommendations for reform it has accepted. Aiban, who is president of the official Human Rights Commission of Saudi Arabia, said the kingdom was constantly striving to promote and protect human rights “driven by the honorable principles and provisions of Islamic sharia and the traditional values of our society.”
Freedom of opinion and expression were guaranteed, but are limited by laws that protect the rights of others as well as the “prerequisites of national security and public order,” he said. Women have seen a series of reforms over the last five years, Aiban added. They are allowed to vote and stand as candidates in municipal councils. Driving licenses have been issued to women since June.
No Arab country raised the Khashoggi case.
Egypt’s ambassador, Alaa Youssef praised Saudi Arabia’s efforts to confront terrorism and radicalism, while Kuwait welcomed the creation of judicial training centers.