Post by : Rameen Ariff

Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, the widow of the murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has made a heartfelt public appeal to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, requesting an apology and compensation for her husband's death, which profoundly impacted her life. This statement comes as the crown prince embarks on a significant visit to Washington, marking his first major trip since Khashoggi was assassinated in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018—a case that forever altered global perspectives on Saudi Arabia and its relationship with the United States.

Hanan's Powerful Message During the Crown Prince's US Engagement

In a poignant post shared on X, Hanan stated that there exists “no justification” for her husband’s murder. Jamal was a vocal critic of the Saudi regime and a US resident. Her message specifically mentioned the US President and addressed the crown prince’s previous remarks, dubbing the killing a “huge mistake.”

Hanan asserted, “The Crown Prince expressed sorrow, so he should meet me, apologise, and compensate me for my husband’s assassination,” reviving global scrutiny on a case that continues to cast a shadow over Saudi Arabia's global image.

A Grievous Incident That Altered US-Saudi Dynamics

The outrage triggered by Jamal Khashoggi’s assassination escalated after US intelligence reports indicated that Prince Mohammed had sanctioned the operation, a charge that Saudi officials vehemently refute. The circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Khashoggi's body and the opacity of the Saudi investigation raise ongoing concerns.

Initially, five individuals were sentenced to death in Saudi Arabia following a private trial, but their sentences were later reduced, while three others were imprisoned. Notably, the crown prince has not faced any sanctions from the U.S.

Hanan Khashoggi Opens Up About Her Pain

In an interview with CNN, Hanan revealed that the crown prince’s trip is “very painful,” particularly as he is welcomed with grand honors in Washington. She recalled that her husband envisioned engaging with Saudi leadership, believing he had “valuable ideas for his country.”

Hanan also confided that she had earlier reached out to former US President Donald Trump for assistance in obtaining a financial remedy. She hopes the current administration will uphold “American values of human rights and democracy” while fostering its relationship with Saudi Arabia.

“Something is missing,” she lamented, referring to the lack of “real justice” surrounding her husband’s assassination.

Diplomatic Progress Hampered by a Past Tragedy

The Saudi crown prince’s visit signifies a crucial era in US-Saudi relationships, as both nations seek enhanced collaboration on security, energy matters, and regional stability. Nevertheless, Hanan’s heartfelt appeal highlights how the tragic murder of Jamal Khashoggi continues to influence international dialogue regarding the leadership of Saudi Arabia.

For numerous human rights advocates, Hanan’s renewed insistence keeps alive a case still perceived as lacking in transparency, accountability, and closure.

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