Rapporteur urges UN chief to probe Khashoggi’s murder

Published June 20, 2019
GENEVA: United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions Agnes Callamard answers questions on a report about the killing of Jamal Khashoggi on Wednesday.—AFP
GENEVA: United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary or Arbitrary Executions Agnes Callamard answers questions on a report about the killing of Jamal Khashoggi on Wednesday.—AFP

UNITED NATIONS: Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was the victim of a premeditated extrajudicial execution, for which the state of Saudi Arabia was responsible, said a United Nations expert in her report released on Wednesday.

The report by the Special Rapporteur for Extrajudicial Executions, Agnes Calla­mard, called upon the UN secretary general, the Security Council and the Human Rights Council to conduct an international follow-up criminal investigation for the purpose of determining individual liability.

Ms Callamard concluded that since the murder violated several international laws, other states too had the right to investigate it.

The report cited six violations of international law — prohibitions against arbitrary deprivation of life, extra-territorial use of force, torture, enforced disappearance, the law that states use consular missions for official purposes only and to protect freedom of expression.

The UN team conducted a six-month investigation into Mr Khashoggi’s murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul last October.

“This report has shown that the execution of Mr Khashoggi constituted a violation of his right to life for which the state of Saudi Arabia is responsible,” Agnes Callamard wrote.

Ms Callamard concluded that the “killing was the result of elaborate planning involving extensive coordination and significant human and financial resour­ces. It was overseen, planned and endorsed by high-level officials. It was premeditated.”

The Special Rapporteur accused Saudi Arabia of violating its “procedural obligation to investigate Mr Khashoggi’s death”.

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2019

Opinion

Editorial

China security ties
Updated 14 Nov, 2024

China security ties

If China's security concerns aren't addressed satisfactorily, it may affect bilateral ties. CT cooperation should be pursued instead of having foreign forces here.
Steep price
14 Nov, 2024

Steep price

THE Hindu Kush-Himalayan region is in big trouble. A new study unveiled at the ongoing COP29 reveals that if high...
A high-cost plan
14 Nov, 2024

A high-cost plan

THE government has approved an expensive plan for FBR in the hope of tackling its deep-seated inefficiencies. The...
United stance
Updated 13 Nov, 2024

United stance

It would've been better if the OIC-Arab League summit had announced practical measures to punish Israel.
Unscheduled visit
13 Nov, 2024

Unscheduled visit

Unusual IMF visit shows the lender will closely watch implementation of programme goals to prevent it from derailing.
Bara’s businesswomen
13 Nov, 2024

Bara’s businesswomen

Bara’s brave women have proven that with the right support, societal barriers can be overcome.