Saudis buy luxury homes for children of Khashoggi

THE children of Jamal Khashoggi, the murdered Saudi journalist, have reportedly received luxurious houses and large monthly payments from the Saudi government as compensation for their father’s death.

The recompense to Mr Khashoggi’s four children is seen as part of an effort by the Saudi government to persuade them not to criticise the kingdom or Mohammad bin Salman, the Saudi Crown Prince, over their father’s murder, according to The Washington Post.

Mr Khashoggi’s two sons and two daughters were gifted £3 million houses in the coastal region of Jeddah and monthly payments of at least £7,500.

The children may also be in line for even larger payouts after the trial of some of Mr Khashoggi’s suspected killers. Saudi Arabia retains a culture of “blood money” payments, whereby families of convicted killers must make payments to the families of victims.

Saudi officials denied the largesse was designed to buy the Khashoggis’ silence and said it was normal practice for the kingdom to support those who had been through a tragedy.

Mr Khashoggi’s children have been restrained in their public comments and none has directly accused Crown Prince Mohammad of orchestrating their father’s killing, although US senators and the CIA say they have their suspicions. Saudi Arabia strongly denies any involvement of the crown prince.

The family declined to comment on the payments.

Saudi Arabia has put 11 people on trial for Mr Khashoggi’s murder but proceedings take place in a secret court and it remains unclear who the defendants are and what charges they face.

Prosecutors have asked for the death penalty for five of the suspects.