France Launches Inquiry into Jamal Khashoggi Killing Case

(MENAFN) French authorities have reportedly initiated a judicial investigation into the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist and dissident Jamal Khashoggi, following legal complaints filed by rights organizations alleging possible involvement by senior Saudi leadership.

According to reports, the case was opened after non-governmental organizations accused Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of complicity in the journalist’s death. Khashoggi, a well-known columnist and critic of the Saudi government, was killed while inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018. His body was reportedly dismembered and has never been recovered.

Saudi officials have previously acknowledged that Khashoggi died inside the consulate but maintain that the operation was carried out by rogue individuals acting without authorization from the country’s leadership.

In 2022, rights groups including Democracy for the Arab World Now and Reporters Without Borders submitted a legal complaint alleging that the crown prince was involved in serious crimes, including torture and enforced disappearance. The complaint also claimed that he ordered “the murder by asphyxiation” of Khashoggi.

French prosecutors initially opposed opening a formal investigation, a position criticized by legal representatives of the complainants, who argued it reflected political and economic considerations related to relations with Saudi Arabia.

However, a Paris appeals court has now determined that “the possibility that these acts could be classified as crimes against humanity cannot be ruled out.” Following this ruling, an investigating judge specializing in crimes against humanity will review the case.

Khashoggi had previously worked as an adviser within Saudi circles and maintained close ties to the royal establishment before later becoming an outspoken critic and relocating to the United States.

Saudi prosecutors have stated that he died after being forcibly restrained and given an overdose of drugs during what they described as a botched attempt to bring him back to the kingdom.

Separately, a US intelligence assessment released in 2021 concluded that Mohammed bin Salman held “absolute control” over Saudi institutions and that elements of the security apparatus had approved an operation to “capture or kill” Khashoggi. Saudi authorities have rejected that assessment, calling it “false and unacceptable.”

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