Saudi Arabia’s Unresolved Injustice: The Ongoing Tragedy of Jamal Khashoggi’s State-Sanctioned Murder

Five Years Since the Grisly Murder of Jamal Khashoggi: Justice Denied

The Cry for Justice

As we approach the solemn five-year anniversary of the heinous murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, the call for justice remains unanswered. Amnesty International’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, rightly points out that the path to justice for Khashoggi’s killing is blocked. The lack of an independent and impartial criminal investigation into the role played by high-level officials is a glaring failure of the international community.

Callamard passionately argues that Khashoggi’s enforced disappearance, torture, and extrajudicial execution are crimes under international law. She urges for an urgent investigation that can be prosecuted by any state through universal jurisdiction. It is appalling, she states, that instead of pursuing justice, the international community continues to prioritize diplomatic and economic interests over human rights.

A Closed Trial: A Hollow Attempt at Justice

In 2019, Saudi authorities closed the case of Jamal Khashoggi after a closed trial that lacked both credibility and transparency. This rushed attempt at justice left numerous unanswered questions and a feeling of dissatisfaction among those seeking truth and accountability. The UN report released by then Special Rapporteur Agnes Callamard in June 2019 unequivocally attributed responsibility to the state of Saudi Arabia, branding it a “pre-meditated extrajudicial killing”.

This inadequate response by Saudi authorities reflects a troubling trend. Under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia has escalated its campaign of repression. Since Khashoggi’s tragic murder, the Saudi government’s crackdown on freedom of speech and human rights has reached unprecedented levels.

Justice Delayed is Justice Denied

Amnesty International’s call for an international, independent, and impartial investigation into Khashoggi’s killing is not only morally justified but also crucial for the preservation of justice. It is essential to identify and hold accountable all those involved in this crime, regardless of their rank or status. Fair trials that uphold due process and ensure the rights of the accused must be carried out. To ignore these urgent demands is to diminish the value we place on human rights and the sanctity of life.

However, the Saudi government, shielded by its allies and diplomatic relations, has evaded meaningful accountability. The international community’s failure to push for justice allows Saudi Arabia’s leaders to escape the consequences of their actions. Until there is a collective will to prioritize human rights over political and economic interests, justice will remain elusive.

The Way Forward: Implications and Advice

Implications for International Relations

The ongoing impunity surrounding Khashoggi’s murder poses significant questions about the credibility of the international community’s commitment to human rights. By turning a blind eye to Saudi Arabia’s disregard for justice and repression of its citizens, countries risk compromising their own values and moral standing. The red carpet rolled out for Saudi leaders sends a signal that political expediency outweighs holding perpetrators accountable for crimes against humanity. It is imperative for nations to reevaluate their alliances and prioritize human rights when making diplomatic decisions.

The Power of Economic Leverage

Given Saudi Arabia’s dependency on economic partnerships, economic pressure can be a formidable tool to urge Saudi authorities to pursue justice. Governments, corporations, and civil society should exert their influence to demand an independent investigation and hold those responsible accountable. Economic partnerships should not come at the cost of human lives and the pursuit of justice.

International Solidarity: A Collective Stand for Justice

An international, united front is vital in demanding justice for Jamal Khashoggi. Governments and human rights organizations must collaborate to pressure Saudi Arabia to carry out a credible investigation and ensure a fair trial for all involved. The power of collective action cannot be underestimated in bringing about meaningful change and setting a precedent for holding perpetrators accountable.

A Tribute to Jamal Khashoggi

As we reflect on the tragedy that befell Jamal Khashoggi five years ago, we must honor his memory by continuing the fight for justice. Khashoggi was a courageous journalist who believed in the power of the truth and the pursuit of human rights. His death serves as a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face in their pursuit of truth and transparency.

Let us not forget the message behind Khashoggi’s tragic loss: that the pursuit of justice must never waver, and our commitment to human rights must remain steadfast. Only then can we hope to prevent such atrocities and build a world where freedom of speech and expression are cherished values.

Justice-wordpress,SaudiArabia,injustice,JamalKhashoggi,state-sanctionedmurder,tragedy