Jamal Khashoggi's fiancé scolded Washington on Wednesday for not doing enough to hold the slain journalist's killers accountable.
Khashoggi, a Saudi citizen and legal U.S. resident, was killed by Saudi assassins last October inside the country's consulate in Istanbul. He had a reputation for being intensely critical of the Saudi royal family, and had entered the building in order to get marriage documents for himself and Hatice Cengiz, his fiancé.
In a New York Times editorial, Cengiz said she's deeply disappointed with the inaction by Congress and the administration, which has maintained close ties with Saudi Arabia, a notable ally in the Middle East.
“I wonder what would he say to America about its silence and ambivalence toward his death?” Cengiz wrote. “I began to feel that Jamal had not only died in Istanbul but also in Washington.”
“Washington has chosen not to use its strong ties and leverage with Riyadh," Cengiz also wrote.
Cengiz has previously pleaded with the U.S. government to pursue stronger action in the wake of Khashoggi’s murder. In May, she spoke before the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee, saying, “Is it not natural for then to demand that those responsible for [Khashoggi’s] death are held accountable through the proper channels?”
Cengiz criticized Democratic and Republican lawmakers as well as President Donald Trump for their inaction despite promises that Khashoggi’s case would be investigated.
There has also been tension between Trump and GOP leaders over the Khashoggi investigation. In February, Senate Republicans rebuked Trump’s decision to disregard a law requiring a report to Congress to determine who is responsible for Khashoggi’s murder.
The president’s decision was made after a series of missed deadlines for the investigation.On Wednesday, the U.N. released a 101-page report linking Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman to Khashoggi’s killing. Trump and his administration have not yet publicly commented on the report.
The president has been criticized for maintaining his close ties to Saudi Arabia. His administration has attempted to sell arms to the country, an action that is facing bipartisan opposition, though it seems unlikely that a bill to block the sales will become law.
“If Jamal and his principles have any humanitarian and moral worth, this is the time to speak up,” Cengiz concludes.
Article originally published on POLITICO Magazine