CPJ condemns decision to move Khashoggi murder trial

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published April 07, 2022

NEW YORK—In response to a decision by Turkish authorities on Thursday, April 7, to transfer the trial of the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi to Saudi Arabia, the Committee to Protect Journalists issued the following statement of condemnation:

 “The Turkish government’s trial of Jamal Khashoggi’s suspected killers was politicized from the start, but the decision to transfer his case to Saudi Arabia extinguishes any hope of reaching an impartial conclusion based on the evidence,” said CPJ Senior Middle East and North Africa Researcher Justin Shilad. “The international community must pursue a credible and transparent investigation into Khashoggi’s murder, and should not allow political expediency or interference to derail justice.”

 A Turkish court granted prosecutors’ request to transfer the case on Thursday, saying that the Turkish trial had been hampered by Saudi authorities’ refusal to extradite suspects, according to news reports, which said that Turkey’s minister of justice endorsed the decision, and that Saudi authorities had requested the transfer in March.

Hetice Cengiz, Khashoggi’s fiancée, said she would appeal the decision, according to reports.

Turkey began the trial of 26 Saudi suspects in absentia in July 2020, and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan previously opposed transferring evidence to Saudi authorities over fears they would destroy it, according to reports. The new decision comes as the Turkish government seeks to mend ties with Saudi Arabia and shore up relations with other Gulf countries.

A Saudi court sentenced five people to death and three to prison terms for the murder in December 2019. Those death sentences were changed to prison terms in September 2020 after Khashoggi’s sons said they had pardoned the killers.—A CPJ statement

Photo caption: Hatice Cengiz, fiancee of the murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, is seen in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 7, 2022. Turkish authorities have agreed to transfer the murder trial to Saudi Arabia. (Reuters/Murad Sezer)

CPJ calls on Pakistani authorities to end harassment, deportation of Afghan journalists

 January 23, 2025:  CPJ exposes Pakistan's dangerous deportation of Afghan journalists fleeing Taliban persecution, highlighting critical human rights violations and press freedom challenges. #JournalistSafety

Cyber martial law: Authoritarian PECA legislation threatens digital expression in Pakistan

 January 23, 2025:  Pakistan's PECA Amendment exposes a dangerous assault on press freedom, creating a repressive social media regulatory framework that threatens digital expression and criminalizes journalism. #MediaFreedom #PakistanLaw #DigitalRights #Censorship #JournalismUnderThreat

When talk shows turn battlegrounds: The ugly face of Pakistani TV

 January 23, 2025:  An in-depth look at the recent scuffle on a Pakistani talk show, its implications for media ethics, and the urgent need for TV channels to uphold decorum during debates.

Over 300 PTV pensioners rally for dues, PFUJ slams management inaction

 January 22, 2025:  PFUJ condemns the neglect of PTV pensioners who protested in Islamabad for unpaid dues and benefits. Union urges authorities to resolve issues without delay.

PFUJ condemns PECA amendments as a betrayal by information minister

 January 22, 2025:  The PFUJ has condemned the new amendments to PECA 2016, describing them as unconstitutional and threatening press freedom. It warns of nationwide protests if the government doesn’t withdraw the bill.

Crackdown on AI-generated content: FIA targets 10 more suspects

 January 22, 2025:  The FIA has registered 18 cases, including against 10 more suspects, for sharing AI-generated images of Maryam Nawaz and the UAE President. The crackdown also targets those who liked or commented on the images.

Pakistan's digital hypocrisy: PM Shehbaz Sharif tweets Trump while citizens face X ban

 January 21, 2025:  Pakistan's PM Shehbaz Sharif congratulates Trump on X despite the year-long platform ban, sparking outrage over government double standards and digital censorship concerns.

Leaked justice: Journalists tweet Imran Khan's 14-year sentence before judge's verdict

 January 17, 2025:  In an unprecedented breach of judicial protocol, Pakistani journalists accurately revealed Imran Khan's 14-year sentence in the Al-Qadir case on social media 24 hours before the official verdict, raising serious questions about court independence