Jamal Khashoggi's widow condemns Trump's comments

Key Concepts

• Jamal Khashoggi: Murdered journalist.
• Hanan Khashoggi: Widow of Jamal Khashoggi.
• Donald Trump: Former US President.
• Mohammed bin Salman (MBS): Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia.
• US Intelligence: Concluded MBS orchestrated Khashoggi's murder.
• Controversial Figure: How Trump described Khashoggi.
• Transparency and Professionalism: Hanan's description of her husband.
• Kidnapping, Torture, Killing, Dismemberment: The actions taken against Khashoggi.
• Investigation and System Improvement: Saudi Arabia's response to the murder.
• Meeting with Crown Prince: Hanan's demand to explain Khashoggi's true nature.
• Retrieval of Remains: Hanan's request for her husband's body.
• Financial Compensation: Hanan's demand for damages.
• Spyware: Alleged use against Hanan since 2017.
• Justice and Accountability: Hanan's perception of the lack thereof.
• Turkish President Erdogan: Asked to return Khashoggi's electronic devices.
• Intimidation: Lawyers facing pressure in Turkey.

Summary of Interview with Hanan Khashoggi

This summary details an interview with Hanan Khashoggi, the widow of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi, focusing on her reactions to former US President Donald Trump's statements and her ongoing pursuit of justice.

Hanan Khashoggi's Disappointment with Trump's Statements

Hanan expressed gratitude for the global recognition of her husband's tragedy and his colleagues remembering him. However, she was deeply disappointed by President Trump's characterization of Jamal as an "extremely controversial" and "unlikely man." She directly addressed President Trump, stating he did not know her husband well and offered to meet him to share the truth about Jamal. She emphasized that Jamal was a "very transparent man," "a great man," "professional," and "brave."

Countering Trump's Narrative and the Justification of Violence

Hanan refuted Trump's assertion that "things happen" and that "he knew nothing" (referring to MBS). She argued that such statements undermine the freedom of journalists and create an environment akin to a "dictator country in the Middle East." She firmly stated that even if someone disliked her husband, it "doesn't justify the action of kidnapping him, torture him, killing him, and dismantle his body."

US Intelligence Findings and Saudi Arabia's Response

The interview highlighted that US intelligence concluded Mohammed bin Salman orchestrated Jamal Khashoggi's murder. When questioned about this, MBS stated it was "painful to hear anyone losing his life for no real purpose" and that it was "painful for us in Saudi Arabia." He claimed Saudi Arabia had taken "steps of an investigation" and "improved our system to be sure that nothing happens like that again."

Hanan's Dissatisfaction with Saudi Arabia's Response

Hanan expressed her profound dissatisfaction with MBS's response. She reiterated her strong desire to meet with the Crown Prince to "introduce the real Jamal to him," believing MBS has been "misinformed." She saw an opportunity with MBS's visit and requested permission to meet him to explain Jamal's aims, views, and true character.

Demands for Justice and Compensation

Hanan outlined her specific demands:

• Retrieval of Jamal's Remains: She is seeking MBS's help to retrieve Jamal's body so she can bury him "in a decent good way," drawing a parallel to Israeli families seeking the remains of their family members.
• Financial Compensation: She is demanding compensation for the loss of her husband and the destruction of her life, citing the alleged use of spyware against her since 2017.

Perceived Lack of Justice and Accountability

Hanan unequivocally stated that "zero justice" has been served. She described the accountability taken as merely "verbal" with no subsequent follow-up actions to demonstrate sincere regret to the world.

Pursuit of Electronic Devices and Legal Challenges

Hanan also mentioned her request to Turkish President Erdogan for the return of Jamal's electronic devices. She acknowledged the possibility that leaders like Erdogan, MBS, and Trump might have moved on from the case due to financial or political motivations. However, she declared it her "duty to keep my husband's legacy" and to "seek justice for him and myself." She is actively seeking a "brave lawyer from Turkey" to take her case, as existing lawyers are facing "intimidation from the government" to prevent the reopening of the subject and to avoid challenging Saudi authorities.

Conclusion

Hanan Khashoggi's interview underscores her unwavering commitment to seeking justice for her murdered husband, Jamal Khashoggi. She rejects the narrative that downplays the severity of the crime and the role of Saudi leadership, particularly Mohammed bin Salman. Her demands for the retrieval of her husband's remains, financial compensation, and the return of his electronic devices highlight her persistent fight against what she perceives as a profound lack of justice and accountability. The intimidation faced by legal professionals in Turkey further illustrates the significant obstacles in her pursuit.