Judge dismisses lawsuit over Khashoggi's murder after the Biden administration backed immunity for MBS
Business InsiderDec 24, 2022
US Dismisses Suit Against Saudi Ruler Over Khashoggi Killing
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Image copyright: Saudi Royal Palace/AP [via Al Jazeera]
The Facts
A US federal judge on Tuesday dismissed a lawsuit against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman (MBS) over the killing of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. This decision comes weeks after Pres. Joe Biden’s administration asked that MBS be granted immunity.
In a statement, Judge John D. Bates of the US District Court for the District of Columbia explained, “the United States has informed the court that he is immune, and bin Salman is therefore entitled to head of state immunity … while he remains in office.”
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
The granting of immunity to MBS prioritizes political glad-handing over human rights, and the judge saw right through it. Unfortunately, Bates, who called the allegations against MBS “credible,” couldn’t do more to hold the prince accountable because of the Biden administration's shady move.
Pro-establishment narrative
Sovereign immunity exists as much to protect foreign figureheads as American leaders and diplomats from being subject to foreign laws, and it’s being applied properly to MBS. It’s customary to protect allied foreign heads of state from lawsuits. This isn't a question of whether Saudi Arabia violates human rights but whether the kingdom is firmly aligned with the US.
