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May 16, 2026 – France/Saudi Arabia –
A French investigating judge has opened a formal inquiry into the 2018 killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, marking a significant new legal development in one of the world’s most widely condemned attacks on a journalist. The investigation follows years of international criticism over the lack of transparent accountability surrounding Khashoggi’s murder inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
French prosecutors confirmed that the inquiry will examine allegations of torture and enforced disappearance linked to the killing. The case stems from complaints filed by human rights organizations, including Reporters Without Borders and Trial International, against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. French courts ruled that the complaints were admissible, allowing an investigating magistrate to formally review the evidence and determine whether further judicial proceedings should move forward.
Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the Saudi government and columnist for The Washington Post, was killed in October 2018 after entering the Saudi consulate in Turkey to obtain official documents. Turkish investigators concluded that he was murdered and dismembered by a team of Saudi operatives. United States intelligence agencies later assessed that the operation had likely been approved by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, an allegation he has consistently denied despite acknowledging that the killing occurred under his authority.
The French inquiry represents one of the few remaining international legal efforts connected to the case after other proceedings stalled or faced political obstacles. In 2022, a Turkish court transferred its prosecution of Saudi suspects to Saudi Arabia, a move heavily criticized by rights groups. Meanwhile, legal efforts in the United States were weakened after the Biden administration granted immunity protections to the Saudi crown prince in a civil lawsuit.
Press freedom and human rights organizations welcomed the French court’s decision, arguing that it could help revive international accountability efforts in Khashoggi’s case. Advocates say the investigation also carries broader implications for protecting journalists targeted by state actors and combating impunity for crimes against members of the press.
Reference –
https://www.newarab.com/news/french-judge-probe-khashoggi-killing?amp
