Khashoggi murder trial in Turkey suspended

7th April 2022

The Istanbul Criminal Court has today granted the Prosecutor’s request to suspend and transfer the criminal proceedings against 26 accused for the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, to the authorities of Saudi Arabia. His widow, Hatice Cengiz represented by Rodney Dixon QC, who is the main complainant in the case opposed the application, and she has called on the Turkish authorities to continue and conclude the criminal case under the jurisdiction of the Turkish courts.

The criminal proceedings have been ongoing before the Istanbul Criminal Court since July 2020. Ms Cengiz and several other witnesses have already given their testimonies before the court. The decision to transfer the case will be challenged as an administrative decision and will be appealed to the Constitutional Court.