Murder of Jamal Khashoggi: Sentences handed down

The Australian Government has repeatedly expressed its condemnation of Mr Khashoggi’s brutal murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018, and its deep concern at the open abuse of the Vienna Conventions caused by the commission and concealment of this terrible crime.

The Australian Government has been consistent in calling on the government of Saudi Arabia to conduct an independent, transparent investigation into the murder, including cooperating with Dr Agnes Callamard, the UN’s Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, so that those responsible can be held to account and such an egregious act can never be allowed to happen again.

In light of the sentencing of 11 of those charged with involvement in Mr Khashoggi’s murder, we again call on the Saudi authorities to provide a detailed clarification of what happened at the Saudi consulate on 2 October 2018 and the location of Mr Khashoggi’s remains. 

While this represents another step on the long road to justice for Mr Khashoggi’s family, we continue to support calls for transparency, accountability and disclosure. Australian officials will consult our international partners on this development, including through our embassies and the United Nations.

As a matter of principle, Australia opposes the use of the death penalty in all circumstances, for all people.

Australia strongly supports the principles of a free press and the safety of journalists. We continue to advocate actively for the protection of journalists around the world.