Amnesty International Calls Saudi Arabia to Hand Over Khashogg's Body

Human rights organisation “Amnesty International” called on Saudi Arabia to hand over the body of journalist Khashoggi so that the autopsy can be carried out immediately. Initial reports indicated that Mr. Khashoggi was killed on October 2nd.

Saudi Arabia has acknowledged the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and announced that Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman will lead the month-long investigation. The Saudi government said it has dismissed five top officials and has arrested 18 other Saudis as a result of initial investigations. Among those fired is Saud al-Qathani, a close adviser to the prince, as well as Deputy Director of the Intelligence Service Major General Ahmed al-Assiri.

In Washington, protesters marched from the White House to the State Department to demand a harsher response from the Trump administration following reports from Turkey that Mr. Khashoggi was killed and broken up within the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2nd, by a Saudi team of 15 who entered Turkey and left on a special jet that day.

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's meeting with the Saudi crown prince was criticised by several American lawmakers and human rights activists.

Secretary Pompeo defended his encounter with Saudis during an interview with the Voice of America, given yesterday in Mexico City for Greta Van Susteren.

“In Saudi Arabia I met the king, met with the crown prince, and then with Foreign Minister Jubeir, making it clear that the United States takes this matter very seriously. That we do not test the murders without trial and activities of this kind. That this doesn't match American values and that remains in their responsibility after the incident occurred at consulate”, State Secretary Mike Pompeii told Voice of America.

Former American Ambassador to Saudi Arabia James Smith does not believe the Trump administration will maintain a principled position for human rights.

This administration has formed a transaction relationship with Saudi Arabia, while before we had a strategic relationship with them. While I was on duty, we could talk about women's rights, human rights and public space. None of this happens now, as the relationship is focused on money”, says former Ambassador Smith.

A two-party group of US senators is taking a harsher stance.

“Republicans have been harsher than Democrats... It's one of the few issues in Washington, probably the only one, enjoying the two-party support”, says Robin Wright, of the Centre “Woodrow Wilson”

Washington must now decide how to react to the latest developments, as Saudi Arabia claimed for two weeks it did not know what had happened to Jamal Khashogg. / VOA/