Washington – October 7, 2018 — In response to disappearance and reported murder of journalist of Jamal Khashoggi after he entered Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul, Freedom House issued the following statement:
“The apparent murder of Khashoggi by the Saudi government is a major escalation of the government’s attacks on critics who dare to defy Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Sultan,” said Michael J. Abramowitz, president of Freedom House. “The Crown Prince is ending a message that Saudis who criticize his policies are not safe, that no international border can protect them. This is a grave attack against journalists and press freedom in every country of the world.”
Saudi Arabia is rated Not Free in Freedom in the World 2018, Not Free in Freedom of the Press 2017, and Not Free in Freedom on the Net 2017.
Freedom House is an independent watchdog organization that supports democratic change, monitors the status of freedom around the world, and advocates for democracy and human rights.
