Journalist Was Dismembered: Investigation into Controversial Murder Reopened

A French judge has been appointed to lead the investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This was reported by Reuters, citing the country's National Antiterrorism Prosecutor's Office (PNAT).

The investigation, concerning allegations of torture and enforced disappearance, follows a decision by the Paris Court of Appeal on May 11, which recognized the admissibility of claims made by the human rights organizations TRIAL International and Reporters Without Borders.

A separate request filed by Khashoggi's employer has been deemed inadmissible.

Khashoggi was murdered and dismembered by Saudi agents in October 2018 at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. U.S. intelligence believes this operation was carried out under orders from Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The Crown Prince denies having ordered the murder but admits it occurred “under his oversight.” The French investigation opens new legal avenues in a case that has thus far been examined under restricted judicial procedures.