The family of journalist Jamal Khashoggi has declared “forgiveness” for his killers, extending pardons to the accused, who faced execution in Saudi Arabia, as Muslims gear to celebrate the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
One of the Washington Post columnist’s two sons, Salah Khashoggi, announced amnesty for the murderers in a statement posted to Twitter on Thursday. Five men were sentenced to death in the case last year in a Saudi court, while three others were given 24 years in prison for their role in the murder plot.
Sons of Jamal Khashoggi say they have decided to pardon the killers of their father - #saudi https://t.co/nk29glHBno
— Mohamad Ali Harissi (@aleeharissi) May 22, 2020
Under Saudi law, which is heavily influenced by Islamic legal traditions, the families of murder victims have the option to grant clemency to perpetrators, often in exchange for a monetary payment known as “diyah.” Some convicts are spared without an exchange of money, however, and it's unclear whether the Khashoggi family has requested any compensation.
“In this blessed night of the blessed month (of Ramadan) we remember God’s saying: If a person forgives and makes reconciliation, his reward is due from Allah,” the family wrote.
Therefore we the sons of the Martyr’s Jamal Khashoggi announce pardoning those who killed our father, seeking reward God almighty.
While the Khashoggi family’s plea means that Saudi courts can no longer consider the possibility of capital punishment for the assasines, it does not automatically entail that they will be set free. The killers, sentenced to death, are still likely to face lengthy prison sentences.
Breaking:
— Firas Maksad (@FirasMaksad) May 22, 2020
Jamal Khashoggi's family declare forgiveness of killers👇
Not entirely unusual for closing days of Ramadan/Eid, but sure to be scrutinized by int media
Significance is killers now don't have to face capital punishment, but could still face significant jail time#Saudi https://t.co/L4T91LFPgz
The family of the journalist, who was an outspoken critic of the Saudi royals before his grizzly murder at the Riayd’s embassy in Istanbul in October 2018, signalled in December that they would not oppose the verdict handed out to those implicated in the case.
“We affirm our confidence in the Saudi judiciary at all levels,” Salah Khashoggi said back then, describing the trial as a "fair" one.
The journalist’s demise made headlines all over the world, leading to a massive fallout that saw several European states imposing bans on weapons sales to the kingdom. Although Washington decried the murder as well, US President Donald Trump fell short of mirroring the move or blaming Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed for the murder.
The Crown Prince, commonly known as MBS, later took “full responsibility" for the killing in a sense that it happened on his watch, but denied that he ordered the assasination.
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