Khashoggi Widow Demands Apology As Saudi Prince Visits Washington

The widow of slain journalist Jamal Khashoggi has issued a powerful public appeal to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, urging him to apologise and compensate her for the killing that “destroyed” her life. The renewed demand comes as the crown prince makes his first high-profile visit to Washington since Khashoggi’s assassination inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 — an incident that reshaped global perceptions of Saudi Arabia and deeply strained its ties with the United States.

Widow’s Emotional Appeal Amid Prince’s US Visit

Hanan Elatr Khashoggi, in a strongly worded post on X, said there was “no justification” for the murder of her husband, who was a US resident and an outspoken critic of the Saudi regime. Her message directly tagged the US President and referenced the crown prince’s recent comments calling the killing a “huge mistake”.

“The Crown Prince said he was sorry, so he should meet me, apologise and compensate me for the murder of my husband,” she wrote, reigniting global attention on a case that continues to shadow Saudi Arabia’s international image.

A Chilling Case That Changed US–Saudi Relations

Jamal Khashoggi’s killing sparked worldwide outrage after US intelligence assessments concluded that Prince Mohammed had approved the operation — a claim Saudi authorities continue to strongly deny. The journalist’s body was never recovered, and questions about the transparency of the Saudi investigation persist.

Following a closed-door trial in Saudi Arabia, five individuals were initially sentenced to death, later commuted, and three others received prison terms. The crown prince himself was never sanctioned by Washington.

“My Life Was Destroyed”: Hanan Khashoggi Speaks Out

Speaking to CNN, Hanan said the visit was “very painful”, especially as the crown prince was greeted with state-like honors in Washington. She stressed that her husband had once hoped for dialogue with Saudi leadership, saying he had “good ideas for his country”.

The widow also disclosed that she previously reached out to former US President Donald Trump seeking help in securing a financial settlement. She said she hopes the current US administration remembers “American values of human rights and democracy” as it strengthens ties with Riyadh.

“There is something missing,” she said, referring to the absence of “real justice” for her husband’s death.

Growing Diplomatic Warmth Overshadowed by Past Tragedy

The crown prince’s visit marks a pivotal moment in US–Saudi relations, as both countries pursue deeper cooperation on security, energy, and regional stability. However, the resurfacing of Hanan’s plea underscores how the murder of Jamal Khashoggi continues to shape international discourse around Saudi Arabia’s leadership.

For many human rights observers, her renewed demand keeps alive a case that they believe still lacks transparency, accountability, and closure.