US Does Not Sanction Prince Of Saudi Arabia On Murder Of Jamal Khashoggi, UN: Danger

Mohammed bin Salman. (Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Department of State)

JAKARTA - Human rights investigators at the United Nations (UN) say it is "very dangerous" for the United States (US) to claim that the de facto rulers of Saudi Arabia have approved operations to arrest or kill journalist Jamal Khashoggi, but take no action against him.

This was conveyed by Agnes Callamard, the UN Special Rapporteur who led the investigation of the Khashoggi murder case in 2018 in his report. The sanctions action here targets the assets of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and his international involvement.

Last Friday, the United States' National Intelligence Service released a classified intelligence report that revealed Mohammed bin Salman's approval of an operation to arrest or kill Khashoggi.

At the same time, the United States also imposed sanctions on a number of people involved in this case. However, the Crown Prince's name was 'saved' in order to maintain good relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia.

Callamard said what had been revealed from the report "appears to be very little and it is disappointing". He hopes more material evidence of the Jamal Khashoggi murder case will be released.

"It is very problematic, in my opinion, if it is not dangerous, to admit someone's wrong and then say that someone 'but we won't do anything.' Please continue as if we didn't say anything. To me that is a very big step. dangerous on the part of the US, "he explained.

White House Spokesman Jen Psaki said on Monday the United States reserves the right to impose sanctions on the future Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia if necessary.

"Of course we have the right to take action in a time and way we choose," Psaki told reporters.

"Historically, the United States through the Democratic and Republican Party presidents has not usually imposed sanctions on government leaders in countries where we have diplomatic relations," he continued.

Earlier, US President Joe Biden said on Saturday his administration would make an announcement in Saudi Arabia on Monday. But a White House official suggested no significant new steps were expected.

"There are many things the US government can do. One thing that cannot be done is, be quiet and do not take action on their findings, "said Callamard.