Home PodcastJulie Alli Mohammed bin Salman named prime minister as Saudi seeks immunity for Khashoggi trial

Mohammed bin Salman named prime minister as Saudi seeks immunity for Khashoggi trial

by Salaamedia Intern

Saudi Arabia – It has been four years since Jamal Khashoggi was assassinated by agents of the Saudi government at the Saudi consulate in Turkey. While his fiancé continues to press for answers and justice, that justice may never come as the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been appointed as the prime minister of Saudi Arabia

Appointing the Crown Prince as the prime minister grants him immunity from prosecution, his lawyers told a court on Monday. Prince Mohammed has been the kingdom’s de facto ruler for several years, but this appointment legitimises it. However, many see this as a move from the Kingdom to further protect the prince but Prof. Mia Swart, Senior Lecturer at Edge Hill University, believes the move was unnecessary.

“I do think it raises interesting questions about whether this was even strictly necessary in terms of how protected MBS is. It’s now been four years since the murder and there has been no accountability. It could indicate that they are nervous but, in my view, it might not even have been necessary … I suppose they are just making sure that he would be immune from prosecution. At the same time, I find it absolutely difficult to believe that they would ever find him guilty and take any steps against him.”

 

The US is trying to protect its trade relation with Saudi Arabia 

The US and Saudi Arabia have a bilateral trade agreement. They export weapons and other such things to Saudi Arabia while they import oil and other commodities from them. This trade agreement and relationship is an extremely important one. It is due to this that Swart believes the US won’t act on anything and would rather save the relationship.

“It’s a long-standing trade relationship. It’s a long-standing diplomatic and political relationship and this is why in four years, we’ve not seen any action. This is why Biden earlier this year visited Saudi Arabia and we saw the fist bump. It wasn’t quite a handshake between the two rulers but yes in my view incredibly it’s unlikely that there will be accountability from the U.S side.”

Swart believes the fist bump is a clear indication the two rulers aren’t on the same plain. The significance of it cannot be overstated. It indicates that either one or perhaps both don’t want a full diplomatic relationship.

SMread: Understanding Islamic psychology

 

The death of Khashoggi is not a lost cause

Although little progress has been made with the case, Swart feels all hope should not be lost. Making MBS the prime minister shows Saudi Arabia is still concerned about the matter. Still, she is unsure if any judgement will be handed down or even acted upon.

“I would actually not call it a lost cause. I think even the first pump in itself was significant. Saudi Arabia is aware of the fact that this is not going away but whether there would ever be any enforcement of any judgement remains to be seen. They might even get a judgement against them but whether that would be enforced, somehow MBS going to the Hague or going to prison, I think that’s almost absurd in terms of the power of Saudi Arabia.”

SMread: Jamal Khashoggi’s family may never get justice – researcher

 

Khashoggi’s fiancé will not let it go

Saudi Arabia has already conducted its own investigation which has led them to who they believe is responsible for the crime. They have also paid Khashoggi’s first family blood money for his death. However, his fiancé will not let the matter rest and Swart firmly believes nothing will make her stop until she gets the justice she deserves.

“I don’t think she will let this go. Saudi Arabia has already conducted their own shunt trial. They have already pointed fingers at other people who were not that closely involved. So, they have their ways and means of their own to show that they are taking some action but it’s completely meaningless.”

Swart believes the matter won’t disappear. The determination from those who launched the investigation will continue to put the case in the media spotlight. As long as that happens, as long as the investigation doesn’t die down, there is some hope that justice will be served.

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