UPDATE: Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, the widow of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi, expressed her profound shock after President Trump made controversial remarks regarding her husband’s murder during a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Oval Office on Wednesday.
In an exclusive interview with the Associated Press, Elatr Khashoggi revealed her disbelief at Trump’s comments, which seem to downplay the gravity of her husband’s brutal killing in 2018. The U.S. intelligence community has consistently indicated that the Crown Prince likely had a role in the assassination, a claim Trump dismissed during the meeting, stating, “a lot of people didn’t like that gentleman.”
These remarks come at a time when tensions between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia are already strained, following ongoing scrutiny of the Saudi government’s human rights record. Elatr Khashoggi described the President’s comments as “deeply hurtful,” emphasizing the pain they bring to families affected by violence and injustice.
WHY THIS MATTERS NOW: The implications of Trump’s dismissal of Khashoggi’s murder are significant, especially as they suggest a continuing alignment with the Saudi Crown Prince, despite widespread condemnation from human rights advocates. This development is particularly alarming for those seeking accountability and justice for Khashoggi’s death, which has become a symbol of the dangers faced by journalists worldwide.
As the situation unfolds, observers are keenly watching the repercussions of Trump’s comments on U.S.-Saudi relations and the broader implications for press freedom. Elatr Khashoggi’s statement highlights the ongoing battle for justice and truth in the face of political maneuvering.
WHAT’S NEXT: Continued coverage of the fallout from Trump’s remarks is expected, as advocacy groups amplify their calls for accountability. The international community will be closely monitoring the U.S. administration’s stance on human rights issues in Saudi Arabia moving forward.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
