Okaz

Last week, I wrote that no one in Saudi Arabia would defend killing a man for no reason at all. Nothing can justify the death of Jamal Khashoggi, may Allah rest his soul in peace, as it was described in a statement by the Public Prosecutor’s Office.

What was revealed by the Public Prosecutor about Khashoggi’s death and the attempt made by those involved in this case to cover it up shocked me deeply, because I know that a man’s life in my country has great value.

The killing of an opposition figure is not part of our culture. Those who go against our values and take advantage of their position and power of authority are in breach of the trust and the responsibility that has been granted to them.

The personal directive of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman, that the Public Prosecutor carry out an investigation to explain the mystery behind the disappearance of Khashoggi is a clear indication of the importance of the matter and reflects the fact that this shocking case has affected the country at all levels.

It is not acceptable that officials are involved in this. Therefore, a Royal Decree has been issued to form a ministerial committee headed by the Crown Prince to restructure the General Intelligence Presidency where a group of people used their authority and power to make wrong decisions and plan operations that damaged the reputation of the country and went against the general policy employed in dealing with its citizens.

Despite the fact that what has happened is not the first time in history that it has taken place in any country, and that there is evidence of that in the records of the intelligence and security departments of major countries, it is not acceptable in our customs and ethics and in the relationship between our country and its people. Those involved in this matter will not escape punishment.