Original to:
https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2018/nov/02/jamal-khashoggi-justice-unite-hatice-cengiz
Jamal Khashoggi deserves justice. The world must unite to pursue his
killers
Those responsible for taking the life of my kind, generous and
compassionate fiance should not escape accountability
Hatice Cengiz
The Guardian, Fri 2 Nov 2018 06.00 GMT
It has been exactly one month since my fiance, the celebrated journalist
Jamal Khashoggi, entered Saudi Arabia’s consulate in Istanbul never to
return. Today is also United Nations International Day to End Impunity
for Crimes against Journalists. The coincidence is tragic and painful.
Until a month ago, Jamal sent me articles that he was writing. I would
enthusiastically read them and then call him with my thoughts. He would
listen attentively, and then we would debate. But now I am writing about
him and how I feel now he is gone.
I am really finding it difficult to comprehend whether it has been a
month or a lifetime since I lost Jamal. As I waited in hope that he
would come out of the consulate, every hour, every day, felt like a
year. They have been filled with anguish. No matter how long I waited,
the joyful Jamal did not return. All that came was news of his death.
As I write this, Istanbul’s chief public prosecutor’s office has made an
official statement. They strangled Jamal and dismembered and destroyed
his body. How brutal, barbaric and ruthless. What crime did he commit
for them to do this? What was the reason for them to murder him so
brutally? There is no explanation for this hate.
It is important to remember Jamal, the person. A man of kindness,
patience, generosity, compassion and love. All he wanted was a fresh
start to ease his longing for his homeland. To live a lonely life with
some happiness. And on this journey I would have been a companion and
friend. I hope he knew just how precious it was for me as well to begin
a new life with him.
Jamal’s brutal murder has shaken the world. That is because we have lost
a globally significant voice. Above all, he championed goodness and
decency. He helped us understand the complex relations of the Middle
East, but always put the lives and rights of its people first. Now in
death, the principles for which he so passionately fought in life have
been brought into the limelight: democracy, freedom and human rights;
the fundamental belief that every person should choose their political
masters through the ballot box. As we witness the international outrage
at his killing, the perpetrators should know that they can never erase
his vision for his beloved country. They have only emboldened it.
It is now left to the international community to bring the perpetrators
to justice. Of all nations, the United States should be leading the way.
It was founded on the ideals of liberty and justice for all, the first
amendment enshrining the ideals personified by Jamal. With this tragedy,
the Trump administration has taken a position that is devoid of moral
foundation. Some have approached this through the cynical prism of
self-interest – statements framed by fear and cowardice; by the fear of
upsetting interstate deals or economic ties. Some in Washington are
hoping this matter will be forgotten with simple delaying tactics. But
we will continue to push the Trump administration to help find justice
for Jamal. There will be no cover-up.
Today I am inviting the international community to take serious and
practical steps to reveal the truth and to prosecute those involved in a
court of law. And to deliver Jamal’s body, which is still missing, to
his loved ones.
I am not naive. I know that governments operate not on feelings but on
mutual interests. However, they must all ask themselves a fundamental
question. If the democracies of the world do not take genuine steps to
bring to justice the perpetrators of this brazen, callous act – one that
has caused universal outrage among their citizens – what moral authority
are they left with? Whose freedom and human rights can than credibly
continue to defend?
We are now going through a test of humanity. And it requires leadership.
The biggest responsibility lies on the heads of the governments. My
president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, and everyone in the political, legal
and judicial branches of Turkey are managing this matter in the best way
possible.
So I invite the leaders of all European countries and the US to pass
this test. Justice must be served. I demand that those who committed
this premeditated and savage assassination are brought to justice. Those
who ordered this murder – even if they stand in the highest political
office – should also be prosecuted. I demand justice for my beloved
Jamal. We must all send a clear message that authoritarian regimes
cannot kill journalists ever again.
Jamal had just bought a house. He had a dream to build a family. He was
selecting household items with excitement. His shirts had just been
given to the dry-cleaners on his return from London.
Yet I am left at the door alone. I am the one story Jamal did not
complete. Now everyone, together, must help finish it, and carry the
torch of Jamal’s soul until his dream is realised.
• Hatice Cengiz was the fiance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi
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