Khashoggi Widow Demands Trump-Saudi Transcript
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Hanan Khashoggi Seeks Trump-Salman Call Transcript in Husband’s Murder Case
Hanan Elatr Khashoggi is intensifying her pursuit of justice for her husband, Jamal Khashoggi, by demanding the release of a transcript of a phone call between then-President Donald Trump and Saudi crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. This demand stems from the brutal murder of Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and critic of the Saudi regime, in October 2018.
The Murder of Jamal Khashoggi: A Timeline of Events
Jamal Khashoggi entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018, intending to obtain documents needed for his upcoming marriage. He was never seen again.Initial reports suggested Khashoggi left the consulate, but mounting evidence quickly revealed a far more sinister truth.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| October 2, 2018 | Jamal khashoggi enters the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. |
| October 17, 2018 | Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi was killed in the consulate, initially claiming it was a result of a “brawl.” |
| November 2018 | Turkish intelligence leaks audio recordings allegedly capturing the murder and dismemberment of Khashoggi. |
| June 2019 | A UN report, led by Agnes Callamard, concludes there is “credible evidence” that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other high-ranking Saudi officials were responsible for Khashoggi’s murder. |
| September 2020 | A Saudi court sentences eight individuals for their involvement in the murder, but the sentences are widely criticized as insufficient and lacking transparency. |
| November 2023 | Hanan Khashoggi formally requests the transcript of the Trump-Salman phone call. |
Investigations by Turkish authorities, corroborated by intelligence agencies worldwide, painted a horrifying picture: Khashoggi was deliberately lured to the consulate, murdered by a team of Saudi operatives, and his body dismembered. The operation is believed to have been carried out on the orders of individuals close to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
The Trump-Salman Connection and the call in Question
Following Khashoggi’s murder, President Trump faced intense pressure to hold Saudi Arabia accountable. However, despite acknowledging the CIA’s assessment that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman likely ordered the killing, Trump consistently downplayed the incident and prioritized maintaining a strategic alliance with Saudi Arabia. This stance drew widespread criticism from lawmakers and human rights organizations.
The phone call between Trump and Crown Prince Salman, reportedly occurring shortly after Khashoggi’s murder, is at the center of Hanan Khashoggi’s legal bid. She believes the transcript will reveal the extent to which Trump was aware of the crown Prince’s involvement and whether any assurances were given regarding accountability. The exact content of the call remains classified, fueling speculation and suspicion.