PARIS: France has officially launched a judicial inquiry into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi after a French court declared the case admissible, according to Beyond Time News.
French authorities appointed an investigating judge to examine allegations linked to torture and enforced disappearance in connection with Khashoggi’s 2018 killing inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
The move follows a May 11 decision by the Paris Court of Appeal, which accepted complaints filed by human rights organisations TRIAL International and Reporters Without Borders.
However, the court rejected a separate complaint submitted by DAWN, the media organization founded by Khashoggi before his death.
Khashoggi, a well-known Saudi journalist and critic of the Saudi government, was killed and dismembered by Saudi agents at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. The case sparked global outrage and increased international scrutiny of Saudi Arabia’s leadership.
US intelligence agencies previously stated that they believed Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the operation. The crown prince has repeatedly denied ordering the killing, although he acknowledged that the incident happened “under my watch.”
The French investigation adds a new legal dimension to a case that has seen limited judicial progress in recent years.
Earlier, Turkish authorities had launched a trial against 26 Saudi suspects. However, a Turkish court suspended the proceedings in 2022 and transferred the case to Saudi Arabia, a decision that drew criticism from international rights groups.
Meanwhile, in the United States, former President Joe Biden’s administration granted legal immunity to Mohammed bin Salman after he became Saudi Arabia’s prime minister. As a result, a US federal court dismissed a civil lawsuit filed by Khashoggi’s fiancée.
French law allows judges to investigate serious international crimes committed outside France under specific legal conditions. However, prosecutions usually require suspects to be physically present on French territory.
The Saudi government has not yet issued an official response regarding the French inquiry.
Read more:Six Arrested in Paris After Palestinian Flag Display
Why This Case Still Matters
The killing of Jamal Khashoggi remains one of the most high-profile cases involving press freedom and human rights in recent years. International organisations continue to demand accountability, transparency, and independent investigations into the incident.
Human rights advocates say France’s latest move could renew international attention on the case and increase pressure for legal action at a global level.
FAQs
Who was Jamal Khashoggi?
Jamal Khashoggi was a Saudi journalist, columnist, and critic of the Saudi government. He was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018.
Why did France open an inquiry?
France opened the inquiry after a Paris court accepted complaints filed by international human rights organisations regarding torture and enforced disappearance allegations.
What charges are being investigated?
The French judicial inquiry focuses on allegations of torture and enforced disappearance linked to Khashoggi’s killing.
Did Saudi Arabia respond?
As of now, Saudi authorities have not publicly commented on the French investigation.
Can France prosecute the suspects?
French law allows investigations into serious international crimes, but prosecutions generally require suspects to be present in France.
#JamalKhashoggi #France #SaudiArabia #HumanRights #PressFreedom #Paris #InternationalNews
