Khashoggi-probe: Crown Prince a red line, says Saudi Foreign Minister
What's the story
Calls for Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, to be held accountable for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi are a "red line", Saudi Foreign Minister, Adel al-Jubeir, has said. In a BBC television interview, Jubeir said yesterday any disparaging discussion about Prince Mohammed or his father, the Saudi monarch, wouldn't be tolerated. "In Saudi Arabia, our leadership is a red line," Jubeir said.
Quote
King Salman and Prince represent every Saudi citizen: Jubeir
"The custodian of the two holy mosques (King Salman) and the crown prince are a red line. They represent every Saudi citizen and every Saudi citizen represents them. And we will not tolerate any discussion of anything that is disparaging towards them," Jubeir said.
The case
CIA analysis points finger at Crown Prince over Khashoggi's murder
Khashoggi, a US resident who wrote for The Washington Post and had been critical of Prince Mohammed, was killed and reportedly dismembered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2. After lengthy denials, Saudi authorities admitted responsibility and said 21 people had been taken into custody. However, a CIA analysis leaked to the US media reportedly pointed the finger at the Crown Prince.
Statements
Crown Prince not involved, murder a rogue operation: Jubeir
Jubeir insisted that Prince Mohammed had not been involved in the killing. "We've made that very clear. We've investigations ongoing and we'll punish the individuals who are responsible for this," he said. He called on Turkey to come forward with all its evidence about the slaying and stop leaking out information. The Foreign Minister said the murder was a "rogue operation" by intelligence officers.
Information
Meanwhile, Trump ignores criticism, praises Saudi for low oil prices
Jubeir also said any possible US sanctions on Saudi Arabia would be short-sighted. United States President Donald Trump yesterday ignored criticism that he gave Saudi Arabia a free pass on Khashoggi's murder, instead praising the Islamic kingdom for keeping oil prices low.