“We are deeply shocked by the reports on the killing of the journalist Jamal Khashoggi in the Consulate General of the Kingdom of Saudi-Arabia in Istanbul on 2 October 2018. On behalf of the Socialists and Democrats in the European Parliament I express our sincerest condolences to Jamal Khashoggi’s family and friends. We demand a complete and transparent investigation of the killing without any delay. The fact that it took three weeks before the killing was even confirmed has raised serious concerns about the trustworthiness of the Saudi-Arabian leadership. The explanations offered so far by the authorities are by no means sufficient or convincing. The suppositions on the circumstances of Khashoggi’s death that are emerging only bit by bit are unbearable in their brutality and need to be verified immediately. Independent authorities have to ensure that the persons responsible for this killing are held accountable,” said S&D Group president Udo Bullmann.
“We call on the European member states and on the European Commission to maintain a clear, coherent and united position towards Saudi-Arabia until all questions concerning the killing of Jamal Khashoggi are answered. This includes the consideration of an immediate stop on any more arms and dual use equipment exports. We must make clear that no compromises will be made when it comes to our core values. This is all the more important given the lack of consequence that US-President Donald Trump shows. We reaffirm our conviction to defend the freedom of press and protect journalists and human rights in, as well as outside, Europe,” he added.
