In Washington, a U.S. federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by the fiancée of the late journalist Jamal Khashoggi against Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The dismissal was based on President Biden’s grant of immunity, according to the ruling issued by U.S. District Judge John Bates. Despite expressing hesitation, Judge Bates stated that the United States had informed the court that Prince Mohammed is immune from legal action.
The lawsuit stemmed from Khashoggi’s murder in October 2018 by Saudi agents at the consulate in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence agencies believe the operation was ordered by Prince Mohammed, who holds significant power in Saudi Arabia. The Crown Prince has denied giving the order for the killing but admitted that it occurred under his supervision.
The Biden administration supported Prince Mohammed’s immunity claim as the current head of a foreign government, shielding him from U.S. court jurisdiction. Reacting to the decision, Khashoggi’s fiancée, Hatice Cengiz, expressed profound disappointment, stating that it felt like losing Jamal again.
President Biden faced criticism for greeting Prince Mohammed with a fist bump during a visit to Saudi Arabia, where discussions on energy and security matters took place. The White House clarified that Biden had held the Crown Prince accountable for Khashoggi’s death. Khashoggi, a vocal critic of Prince Mohammed, had visited the consulate to obtain marriage documents before his tragic demise.
The legal complaint against Prince Mohammed continues to draw attention, as questions linger over his role in Khashoggi’s killing and the complexities of international immunity laws.