The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers (WAN-IFRA) and the World Editors Forum on Friday, 19 October, condemned what it called was "the growing culture of impunity for crimes against journalists" in the wake of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul earlier in October.
In its statement, the organisation said:
"WAN-IFRA vehemently condemns the growing culture of impunity for crimes against journalists with which Saudi officials presumably believed they would be protected by. Nine out of ten journalist murders go unpunished and fuel a cycle of violence and fear that protects and emboldens criminals, while undermining the role of journalism in society. If proven, the state-sanctioned killing of a critical opposition journalist on foreign soil should be met with universal condemnation and a genuine commitment to actively support efforts to improve the safety and security of journalists working worldwide."
The organisation also called for Turkey to furnish proof showing involvement of the Saudi State in the killing and asserted that international pressure should be stepped up so as to hold the Saudi monarchy accountable.
It also urged the international community to demand the highest level of punishment for the perpetrators if the involvement of the Saudi statement is established.
In a major development in the disappearance of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia recently confirmed that he was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul earlier this month. The country's public prosecutor said that preliminary investigations showed an "altercation" and "fistfight" led to Khashoggi's death shortly after he arrived at the consulate. He added that 18 Saudi nationals were detained.
A Saudi foreign ministry official said the kingdom was investigating the "regrettable and painful" incident of Jamal Khashoggi's death and forming a committee to hold those responsible accountable.
Khashoggi was a prominent columnist with the Washington Post who was critical of the Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman.
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