What's happened
A Paris investigating judge will examine JR complaints that Mohammed bin Salman was involved in torture and enforced disappearance in Jamal Khashoggi's 2018 killing. The Paris Court of Appeal has allowed the civil-complaint process to proceed against the Saudi crown prince, though no charges have been filed.
What's behind the headline?
What’s new
- A Paris magistrate is set to investigate possible crimes against humanity linked to Jamal Khashoggi’s killing. This follows a May 11 ruling that the complaints are admissible, and the prosecutors’ office will handle the matter through an investigating judge.
Why it matters
- This adds a new legal front in a case that has faced limited judicial follow-up. While the opening of an inquiry does not equate to charges, it establishes a pathway for potential proceedings.
Next steps
- An investigating judge will assess whether the case can lead to further proceedings and may call witnesses or review evidence from multiple countries.
How we got here
Rights groups Trial International, RSF and DAWN filed complaints in France in 2022 during MBS's visit. The Paris Court of Appeal ruled on May 11 that admissibility could not be ruled out, prompting a formal inquiry by an investigating judge from the crimes against humanity unit.
Our analysis
The Independent, AP News, The New Arab, Reuters, France 24
Go deeper
- What happens next in the French inquiry?
- Could this lead to charges against MBS if evidence is found?
- How do rights groups view the French step compared with other jurisdictions?
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