Khashoggi murder ‘a heinous crime’

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has said that as leader of the Kingdom, he takes full responsibility for the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, because it involved people working for the government, but categorically denied ordered the killing. In a wide-ranging interview with Norah O’Donnell, the anchor of CBS Evening News, the crown prince was also asked about the current tensions with Iran, the war in Yemen and women’s rights.

On the murder of Khashoggi he said: “This was a heinous crime … But I take full responsibility as a leader in Saudi Arabia, especially since it was committed by individuals working for the Saudi government,” he said in the interview that was aired on Sunday. “When a crime is committed against a Saudi citizen by officials, working for the Saudi government, as a leader I must take responsibility. This was a mistake. And I must take all actions to avoid such a thing in the future,” the crown prince added.

On whether or not he knew of the operation, the crown prince said: “Some think that I should know what three million people working for the Saudi government do daily. It’s impossible that the three million would send their daily reports to the leader or the second-highest person in the Saudi government.” Asked about CIA reports regarding his alleged involvement in the murder, the crown prince challenged the agency to make their information public. 

“If there is any such information that charges me, I hope it is brought forward publicly.” he said. He also said that no journalist is a threat to Saudi Arabia, and that on the contrary, what happened to Khashoggi, a Saudi journalist, is the real threat to the Kingdom. He told CBS “60 Minutes” that he believed the Sept 14 attacks were an act of war, but he added that he would prefer to see a peaceful resolution to the current tensions.