Khashoggi murder has ‘tragic impact’ on Arabs: Howeidy

ISTANBUL (AA) – The murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi will have “tragic ramifications” for the Arab world, prominent Egyptian journalist Fahmy Howeidy has warned.

“Khashoggi’s killing will have tragic ramifications for the Arab world, atop of which comes Saudi Arabia,” he told Deutsche Welle in an interview.

Khashoggi, a columnist for The Washington Post, had gone missing since entering the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

After weeks of denying any knowledge of his whereabouts, Saudi officials last week admitted that Khashoggi had died inside the consulate building.

In hopes of defusing the international furor over the journalist’s demise, Saudi King Salman sacked the deputy head of the Saudi intelligence agency and a top aide, while also ordering the arrest of 18 individuals suspected of involvement in the case.

Howeidy believes that Khashoggi’s murder “will cause a rift” among allies of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

“In case bin Salman is sacked, this will create a crisis for other allies,” he said.

The veteran journalist said he “is confident Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed is not sleeping in the night these days and is closely following what will happen to his friend (bin Salman)”.

Howeidy sees that the position of the international community has changed regarding the Khashoggi case.

“U.S. President Donald Trump is talking that sanctions may be imposed on Saudi Arabia,” he said.

Turkish police have been investigating the Khashoggi’s murder. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said 18 suspects arrested in Saudi Arabia over the killing should be extradited to Turkey to face the trial.