UN Experts Demand Probe Into Disappearance of Saudi Journalist

UN experts have expressed their grave concern about the disappearance of Saudi journalist and government critic, Jamal Khashoggi, in Istanbul, and called for a prompt independent and international investigation into the case.

Jamal Khashoggi has been missing since entering the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul on 2 October 2018. He has not been seen since.

“We are deeply concerned at the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi, and at the allegations of state-sponsored murder,” said the Chair-Rapporteur of the Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, Bernard Duhaime, the UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of expression, David Kaye, and the UN Special Rapporteur on summary executions, Agnes Callamard.

“An independent international investigation must immediately be launched into the events. Those responsible – perpetrators and masterminds – should be identified and brought to justice. We call on the Saudi and Turkish authorities to cooperate fully to resolve this case.

“We are concerned that the disappearance of Mr. Khashoggi is directly linked to his criticism of Saudi policies in recent years,” the experts said. “We reiterate our repeated calls on the Saudi authorities to open the space for the exercise of fundamental rights, including the right to life and of expression and dissent.”