Why Khashoggi trial transfer from Turkey to Saudi worries rights groups

When Jamal
Khashoggi, a writer for the Washington post who wrote critically of Saudi crown
prince Mohammed Bin Salman, was killed by people close to the petrostate’s
regime in October 2018 in Turkey, Istanbul promised a fair trial. Now, a
Turkish court has agreed to transfer the trial of 26 accused to Saudi Arabia
even as human rights groups warn that the Saudi judicial system, for its lack
of independence, may be unable to do justice in the case.

Also Read | Turkey to OK Khashoggi murder trial’s move to Saudi Arabia

Last week, the
prosecutor in the case recommended to a Turkish court that the trial be
transferred to the Saudis because it would remain inconclusive in Turkey.
Turkey’s justice minister came out in support of the recommendation. Bekir
Bozdag, the minister, said the trial would resume in Turkey if the outcome of
the proceedings in Saudi were unsatisfactory.

The decision of
the Turkish court comes at a time when Turkey is attempting to improve its ties
with the Saudi regime. Poised towards an economic downturn, Turkey is looking
to improve its strained relations in the region. A section of media reports
indicates that the improvement in relations is conditioned on Turkey transferring
the case.

Human rights
groups, however, think that the transfer would mean losing out on the possibility
of bringing the killers to justice. “By transferring the case of a murder that
was committed in its territory, Turkey will be knowingly and willingly sending
the case back into the hands of those who bare its responsibility,” said Agnes
Calliamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International.

She further asked:
“What has happened to Turkey’s declared commitment that justice must prevail
for the gruesome murder and that this case would never become a pawn in
political calculations and interest.”

Human Rights
Watch, a New York-based rights group, said, “Given the complete lack of
judicial independence in Saudi Arabia, the role of the Saudi government in
Khashoggi’s killing, its past attempts at obstructing justice, and a criminal
justice system that fails to satisfy basic standards of fairness, chances of a
fair trial for the Khashoggi case in Saudi Arabia are close to nil.”