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Just over two weeks ago, Saudi dissident and Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi vanished after going into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. His disappearance has now evolved into a full-blown international crisis. Throughout it all, the Saudi government’s official line keeps shifting as the world waits for answers.
From the New York Times:"Mr. Khashoggi, 60, a Washington Post columnist whose disappearance has caused an international uproar and deeply tarnished the Saudi government’s image, entered the consulate at about 1:15 p.m. He was never seen leaving.
The Turkish government has been leaking details in the domestic press that suggest that a 15-member hit team from Saudi Arabia, including Mr. Mutreb, assassinated Mr. Khashoggi inside the consulate, severing his fingers and decapitating and dismembering him."The New York Times has published a timeline trail of clues related to this horrible story:https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/10/09/world/middleeast/jamal-khashoggi-timeline.htmlThe president of the United States, Donald J. Trump has floated scenarios like 'rogue agents' to the Saudis. Mr. Trump and his organization have deep business ties with the Saudis going back for decades.
Secretary of State Pompeo traveled to Riyadh Tuesday, October 16 for what amounted to a quick photo op with Mohammed bin Salman, the crown prince who is suspected of ordering Khashoggi's torture, dismemberment and murder. The two were photographed and videotaped laughing and joking. The kingdom transferred $100 million to the United States shortly after Pompeo's visit. Serious and suspicious items have come to light regarding the 'alleged' torture and murder of Jamal Khashoggi. A most disturbing interview with Mr. Khashoggi on Egyptian TV has surfaced. The interview contains statements "revealing classified deal between Trump and the Royal king of Saudi Arabia to take money from Royal Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal to bail him self out after being arrested for corruption the money end up to Trump / Kushner weapon deal."
A NY Times piece regarding a close aide to Mohammed bin Salman photographed entering and leaving the consulate where Mr. Khashoggi was last seen references multiple human rights organizations seeking a proper investigation by the United Nations:
"In another sign of growing pressure on the Saudis, a coalition of human-rights and press-freedom advocacy groups said Thursday that Turkey should seek an independent United Nations investigation into Mr. Khashoggi’s disappearance and possible killing.
The coalition included the Committee to Protect Journalists, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International and Reporters Without Borders.
“U.N. involvement is the best guarantee against a Saudi whitewash or attempts by other governments to sweep the issue under the carpet to preserve lucrative business ties with Riyadh,” Robert Mahoney, deputy executive director of the Committee to Protect Journalists, said in a statement.
It was unclear at best, however, when or if a United Nations inquiry would be undertaken.
Asked about that possibility at a daily briefing, Stéphane Dujarric, a spokesman for Secretary General António Guterres, suggested it was premature.
Mr. Guterres believes in “taking things one step at a time,” Mr. Dujarric said.
The secretary general also had made clear to both Saudi Arabia and Turkey that the facts surrounding the Khashoggi case need to come out, Mr. Dujarric said."We believe Jamal Khashoggi died in that consulate. He was in there alone, we believe, at the mercy of 15 agents dispatched by the crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman who brought a bone saw with them. This petition is demanding justice for a human being who dedicated his life to a better world. This is Jamal Khashoggi's last column."What the Arab World Needs Most is Free Expression"
