Palestinian journalists demand justice for slain colleague Khashoggi
Although the Palestinian Authority (PA) backs Saudi Arabia in the Jamal Khashoggi affair, reflecting the PA's concern with political relations and a desire for material support, journalists and intellectuals are calling for those responsible to be held accountable.
The entire world has been preoccupied with the slaying Oct. 2 of Saudi journalist and Washington Post contributor Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. Some Palestinians support Saudi Arabia while others blame Saudi officials for what they believe was an assassination. A group of journalists has launched a campaign seeking justice for their colleague and protection for members of their profession. One prominent writer said the sorrow he felt moved him to resign.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas had issued a statement Oct. 14 expressing his appreciation of Saudi support for the Palestinian cause and said Palestine is standing by Saudi Arabia’s side.
On Oct. 20, the Palestinian Authority (PA) announced it officially supports Saudi Arabia and the latter's narrative regarding Khashoggi's killing. The PA said Saudi Arabia, under the leadership of King Salman bin Abdul-Aziz Al Saud and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, is a "state of justice, values and principles" and praised Saudi Arabia's efforts to uphold the law.
Although Saudi Arabia provided varying narratives regarding Khashoggi's death, the Saudi attorney general finally stated Oct. 20 that Khashoggi had died following a fight with people he met with in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul. On Oct. 25, the attorney general went farther, announcing his finding that Khashoggi's slaying had been deliberate and premeditated.
