We have updated our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use for Eurasia Group and its affiliates, including GZERO Media, to clarify the types of data we collect, how we collect it, how we use data and with whom we share data. By using our website you consent to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence, and our use of cookies described in our Cookie Policy.
The fiancée of murdered journalist and Saudi critic Jamal Khashoggi has been waiting four years for justice after he was killed at a Saudi consulate in Istanbul — a murder US intelligence says was likely ordered by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Hatice Cengiz had filed a lawsuit against MBS and his alleged conspirators seeking unspecified damages. But the US State Department has determined that MBS has immunity thanks to his new role as Saudi prime minister. Cengiz responded to the news by tweeting that "Jamal died again today,” and human rights groups are up in arms.
While the arrest of MBS was probably never in the cards, the granting of immunity — which a judge must still confirm — is likely to embolden the Saudi royal. The fact that this is happening against a backdrop of political tensions between Washington and Riyadh, with Saudi’s cutting oil production despite overtures from President Joe Biden, won’t help reassure Khashoggi’s supporters that anyone will ever be held to account.