Kaine, Walkinshaw, & Warner Introduce Resolution to Commemorate Seventh Anniversary of Jamal Khashoggi’s Murder

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), U.S. Representative James R. Walkinshaw (D-VA-11), and U.S. Senator Mark R. Warner (D-VA) introduced a resolution commemorating the seventh anniversary of journalist and Northern Virginia resident Jamal Khashoggi's murder, which was directed by Saudi government officials, and calling for accountability. The members' resolution also calls for the Government of Saudi Arabia to release wrongfully detained individuals, respect the rights of Saudi citizens, and ensure the protection of the freedoms of assembly, association, and the press. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman is expected to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House in November.

"It's been seven years since the Saudi Crown Prince directed the brutal murder of Jamal Khashoggi, a Virginia resident and journalist who was committed to shining a light on the truth," said Senator Kaine, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "As we honor Jamal's memory, we must remember his courage, fight for accountability for those who were involved in his murder, and recommit ourselves to protecting freedom of press around the world. It's appalling that President Trump is now planning to host Jamal's murderer at the White House in November. When President Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman meet, I urge President Trump to publicly acknowledge that the Crown Prince is responsible for Khashoggi's murder and call on him to release all wrongfully detained individuals and uphold human rights."

"Seven years ago, Jamal Khashoggi a resident of VA-11 and a fearless journalist and dissident was dismembered and murdered by Saudi operatives, after the Crown Prince approved an operation to capture or kill him," said Representative Walkinshaw, a member of the U.S. House Oversight Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs. "I met Mr. Khashoggi before he was murdered and won't forget his courage in standing up for human rights, free speech, and accountability."

The Senate resolution is cosponsored by Senators Michael Bennet (D-CO), Chris Coons (D-DE), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Dick Durbin (D-IL), Martin Heinrich (D-NM), Mazie K. Hirono (D-HI), Andy Kim (D-NJ), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Patty Murray (D-WA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Adam Schiff (D-CA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Peter Welch (D-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Full text of the Senate resolution is available here.

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