Jamal Khashoggi's Widow Responds to Trump's Defense of Saudi Crown Prince

Widow's Reaction to Trump's Comments

• 💔 Hanan Elatr Khashoggi expressed deep disappointment and hurt over President Trump's comments, describing them as an attempt to justify the crime of her husband's murder.
• 🗣️ She stated that no justification exists for kidnapping, torture, killing, or dismembering a person due to their opinions or vision.
• ⚖️ Khashoggi emphasized that such statements undermine the freedom of journalists and blur the lines between democratic nations and dictatorial regimes.

Accountability and Justice for Jamal Khashoggi

• 😔 She found it devastating when President Trump stated the Crown Prince knew nothing about the murder, especially since the Crown Prince admitted responsibility as a leader in a 2019 interview.
• 🚫 Khashoggi highlighted the lack of tangible actions to rectify the crime, such as a transparent trial for the perpetrators or an official apology to her.
• 😥 She described her personal suffering as seven years of hell, with her life destroyed, her devices compromised, and her being used to track her husband.

Surveillance and Personal Ordeal

• 🕵️‍♀️ Khashoggi revealed she was under surveillance by Emirati and Saudi authorities since 2017, before her husband's death, to track him through her.
• ⛓️ She detailed being detained multiple times in Dubai, placed under house arrest, and tortured until she fled to America.
• 💔 The murder of her husband and the subsequent isolation and pain have made this day the most painful for her.

US Intelligence Assessment and Crown Prince's Response

• 📄 The Director of National Intelligence assessed that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman approved the operation to capture or kill Jamal Khashoggi, based on his control and involvement of key personnel.
• 🤔 Khashoggi expressed uncertainty about the direct order from the Crown Prince due to lack of intelligence, but believes actions are needed to show regret and change.
• ❌ She stated that the Crown Prince's response about doing their best to prevent future incidents is not convincing, as no real action has been taken, and even her Saudi lawyer was jailed.

Business Deals vs. Human Rights Values

• ⚖️ Khashoggi acknowledged Jamal's wish for Saudi Arabia to develop and have good relations but feels a soreness over Western countries prioritizing business deals (weapons, sports, entertainment) over human rights values.
• 🚫 She argued that economic and political deals should not come at the expense of fundamental values, questioning the difference between such nations and dictatorships.
• 🙏 She sees an opportunity for President Trump and the Crown Prince to demonstrate sincerity through actions like an official apology, financial compensation, and releasing political prisoners.

Hope for Dialogue and True Change

• 😔 The President's defensive reaction to a journalist's question was disappointing, but Khashoggi still wishes for an opportunity to meet with President Trump to explain the true nature of Jamal Khashoggi.
• 🤝 She believes President Trump can facilitate rectifying the crime and support releasing prisoners held for their opinions, while also maintaining economic and political ties and upholding American values.
• 🌟 She was proud that journalists worldwide have not forgotten Jamal, highlighting the importance of their continued advocacy.