Pompeo: Saudis Assured Me That Those Responsible for Khashoggi's Murder Will Be Punished

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday that Saudi leaders assured him that all individuals involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi would be punished. According to Reuters, Pompeo told reporters that he discussed several human rights issues, including the detention of women’s rights activists, some of whom are alleged to have been tortured, with King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia. The murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent critic of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul sparked international outrage. The U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned 17 Saudi citizens, and the Senate also held Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman responsible for this murder. The CIA has also assessed that Mohammed bin Salman ordered the killing. The trial of the suspects in Khashoggi's murder has begun, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty for five individuals. At least 21 people in Saudi Arabia are under investigation in connection with this case, and five government officials, including a senior advisor to the royal family, have been dismissed from their positions. Pompeo stated, "Both acknowledged that those responsible for this incident must be held accountable. They also discussed the investigation and judicial process in the country. They emphasized their commitment to achieving the objectives we have set for them." Reuters reminds that Mike Pompeo traveled to Riyadh about two weeks after Khashoggi's disappearance to pressure for clarity on the fate of the journalist. Protests against Khashoggi's murder have damaged Mohammed bin Salman's credibility, strained Riyadh's relations with its Western allies, and once again brought the repression of dissenters within the country and the ongoing war in Yemen to the forefront of international attention. Pompeo added, "I spoke very candidly about issues and matters that the U.S. is not satisfied with and that do not align with our expectations." He also mentioned that he raised the issue of the dispute between several Gulf countries and Qatar during his discussions with Saudi Arabia, stating that this dispute has dragged on too long and jeopardizes regional unity to counter Iran. Regarding the Yemen war, Pompeo and Mohammed bin Salman agreed to continue efforts to reduce tensions and implement the outcomes of peace negotiations held a month ago. The two sides also discussed the withdrawal of American troops from Syria, with Pompeo telling reporters that this decision would not be influenced by Donald Trump's threats against Turkey. During his regional trip, Pompeo visited Cairo, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Amman, and Riyadh, with Muscat being his next destination.