Jamal Khashoggi, a renowned Saudi Arabian journalist, columnist, author, and former general manager, editor-in-chief of Al-Arab News channels and ex-editor of Saudi Arabian Al-Watan newspaper and a well-known columnist at Washington Post went missing on October 2, 2018.
Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi Arabian journalist, author, and columnist known for his critical views on the Saudi government and its policies. Born on October 13, 1958, in Medina, Saudi Arabia, Khashoggi came from a prominent family with close ties to the Saudi royal family. He worked as a journalist for various Saudi Arabian newspapers, including the influential Al-Watan newspaper.
Khashoggi’s criticism of the Saudi government intensified in the wake of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s rise to power. He began writing for The Washington Post and used his platform to shed light on human rights abuses, political repression, and the Saudi government’s role in the Yemeni civil war.
He criticized the Saudi government in some of his articles. He claimed that the government has banned him from Saudi Twitter. Jamal Khashoggi left Saudi Arabia on September 2017 and went into a self-imposed banishment and it is also said that he escaped at the time when an operation was being carried out in the Kingdom and many well-known journalists were detained.
What happened to Jamal Khashoggi?
On October 2, 2018, Khashoggi entered the Saudi Arabian consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, to obtain documents for his upcoming marriage. Unfortunately, he never emerged from the consulate. It was later revealed that a team of Saudi operatives, allegedly connected to the highest levels of the Saudi government, had tortured, killed, and dismembered Khashoggi inside the consulate.
According to some reports that came forward, Khashoggi was last seen entering the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul on the 2nd of October around 1 pm to obtain the divorce documents that would allow him to marry his fiancé Hatice Cengiz who was a Turkish citizen. His fiancé stood outside the consulate for several hours and ultimately reported him missing at 4 pm.
Soon, news came forward that Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The Saudi government, however, claimed that this news was totally baseless and Khashoggi might have left the consulate via the back entrance.
The mystery of Jamal Khashoggi is still underway, some of the officials claimed that this news is just an accusation without any proof. Saudi Arabia Consulate General also said that Saudi investigators and a security team landed in Istanbul to investigate the matter and resolve it.
The Official at the Saudi Arabian consulate said that they have taken up the case with full responsibility and are working to uncover the truth. The investigation is being carried out in both countries and they shall finally announce the truth once the investigation is completed.
On October 20, Saturday, Saudi investigators broke out the news that it is true that the Journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Premilinary reports of the investigation claimed that he died after the fight broke out inside the building, soon after he had entered the building.
The Turkish media reported that the journalist was killed by a 15 person assassination team, who flew in on a two chartered planes to interrogate, torture and kill him while the Saudi officials denied this and also claimed that the Crown Prince was unaware of Khashoggi’s operation.
Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud Al Mojeb said that Khashoggi devolved into an argument during the discussion with the person he met, and this led into a brawl and the fistfight led to his death. May his soul rest in peace. Ameen.
The investigation is still underway and no trace of his dead body is yet found. 18 Saudi nationals have been arrested during all the investigation period.
The US President Donald Trump said the explanation of Saudi Arabia on Khashoggi case is reliable and he doesn’t want to cancel the multi-billion dollars arms deal with the Saudi’s in response to the admission of the blame.
Does the murder of Jamal Khashoggi remain a mystery?
While the case has ended and so has the life of Jamal Khashoggi, five people found guilty for the murder of the journalist inside the consulate have been given a death sentence. Still, it is a wonder that a person was killed inside a consulate!
The international community reacted with shock and outrage to Khashoggi’s murder. Turkish authorities launched an investigation and provided evidence suggesting that the Saudi government was involved in the killing. Many countries condemned the act and called for a thorough and transparent investigation.
The murder of Jamal Khashoggi strained Saudi Arabia’s relations with many countries and led to a global outcry. The incident prompted calls for accountability and raised concerns about the safety of journalists and freedom of the press worldwide. The Saudi government initially denied any involvement in Khashoggi’s death but eventually acknowledged that he was killed inside the consulate during a “rogue operation.”
The aftermath of Khashoggi’s murder resulted in significant diplomatic repercussions for Saudi Arabia. Several countries imposed sanctions, suspended arms deals, and distanced themselves from the Saudi leadership. The incident also fueled a broader debate about the ethics of international relations and the balance between national interests and human rights.
Jamal Khashoggi’s tragic death served as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in their pursuit of truth and freedom of expression. His memory continues to inspire discussions on press freedom, human rights, and the responsibilities of governments worldwide.
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