France Sanctions 18 Saudi Citizens in Connection with Khashoggi's Murder

On Thursday, December 1, France announced that it has sanctioned 18 Saudi citizens in connection with the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist critical of the Saudi Crown Prince. According to Reuters, the French Foreign Ministry did not disclose the names of these individuals but mentioned that the number of sanctioned individuals may increase following the results of investigations into Khashoggi's murder. France stated that this action was taken in coordination with the European Union and other European countries, particularly Germany. Germany also sanctioned 18 Saudi citizens in connection with Khashoggi's murder and has initiated legal actions to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia. The French Foreign Ministry indicated that these sanctions would include a ban on entry to France and Schengen visa-receiving countries. In a statement, the French Foreign Ministry remarked that Khashoggi's murder is a major crime against media freedom and fundamental rights. The statement emphasized that France expects Saudi officials to provide a transparent, accurate, and comprehensive response regarding this matter. The French Foreign Ministry also stated that these measures are temporary and that the number of sanctioned individuals may increase as investigations progress. Reuters noted that France has sought not to adopt a harsh approach toward Riyadh due to its extensive trade and military relations with Saudi Arabia. Jamal Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post and a critic of the Saudi Crown Prince, went to the consulate of Saudi Arabia in Istanbul on October 2 to register his marriage but never exited the building. Initially, Saudi Arabia denied Khashoggi's murder but eventually stated that the journalist was killed by rogue agents. Last week, the United States also sanctioned 17 Saudi citizens. The list published by the U.S. Treasury Secretary includes names such as Saud al-Qahtani and Maher Mutreb, two advisors to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as Mohammed al-Otaibi, the Saudi consul in Istanbul. The Saudi Attorney General announced on Thursday that, among the 21 individuals arrested in connection with this case, 11 are suspected of involvement in the murder, and execution requests may be made for five of them.