Did the Saudi Arabia Prince Kill a Reporter and Put Them in an Acid Bath?

Introduction

The claim under scrutiny is whether Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi and whether Khashoggi's body was disposed of in an acid bath. This assertion has circulated widely in media reports and public discourse since Khashoggi's death in October 2018, raising questions about the extent of the Saudi government's involvement and the methods used to conceal the crime.

What We Know

Jamal Khashoggi, a prominent Saudi journalist and critic of the Saudi government, was last seen entering the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on October 2, 2018. Initial reports from Saudi officials claimed that Khashoggi had left the consulate alive, but this narrative changed dramatically when evidence emerged suggesting he had been murdered inside the consulate 13.

Subsequent investigations, including those by Turkish authorities and international media, concluded that Khashoggi's killing was premeditated and involved a team with connections to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman 146. A U.S. intelligence report released in 2021 also implicated the Crown Prince, stating that he likely approved the operation that led to Khashoggi's death 48.

Regarding the disposal of Khashoggi's body, reports indicated that the body was dismembered, and there were claims that it may have been dissolved in acid 310. However, the exact details of the body disposal remain murky, with Saudi officials initially denying knowledge of the body’s whereabouts 10.

Analysis

The sources discussing Khashoggi's murder and the alleged involvement of the Crown Prince vary in reliability and potential bias.

1. Wikipedia: While it provides a comprehensive overview of the events, it is important to note that Wikipedia entries can be edited by anyone, which may affect the reliability of the information. However, it cites credible sources and provides a good starting point for understanding the context 15.

2. BBC: The BBC is generally considered a reliable news source, known for its rigorous editorial standards. Their reports on Khashoggi’s murder detail the evolving narratives from Saudi Arabia and provide insights into the investigation's findings 2310. However, like all media outlets, it may have biases based on its editorial choices.

3. AP News: The Associated Press is a reputable news organization that reported on the U.S. intelligence findings regarding the Crown Prince's involvement. Their coverage is typically fact-based and aims to provide a balanced view 4.

4. The New York Times: This publication has reported extensively on Khashoggi’s assassination and the implications for U.S.-Saudi relations. While it is a respected source, it has faced criticism for perceived biases in its coverage of Middle Eastern affairs 6.

5. NPR: NPR's reporting on the U.S. government's stance regarding the Crown Prince's immunity from lawsuits reflects a critical perspective on the political implications of Khashoggi's murder 9.

The methodology behind claims of body disposal in acid is less clear, as it appears to stem from investigative reports and leaks rather than direct evidence. The lack of physical evidence, such as the recovery of Khashoggi's remains, complicates the narrative surrounding the disposal methods.

Conclusion

Verdict: Mostly True

The evidence supports the assertion that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman was involved in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, with multiple investigations and a U.S. intelligence report implicating him in the approval of the operation. However, the claim regarding the disposal of Khashoggi's body in an acid bath remains less substantiated, as it relies on unverified reports and lacks direct evidence.

This verdict acknowledges the significant evidence pointing to the Crown Prince's involvement while also recognizing the uncertainties surrounding the specifics of the body disposal. The absence of Khashoggi's remains and the varying reliability of sources contribute to the complexity of the narrative.

Readers are encouraged to critically evaluate the information presented and consider the limitations of the available evidence when forming their own conclusions.