Human rights group launches two years after death of founder Jamal Khashoggi

In pre-recorded remarks, Sen. Chris Coons of Delaware thanked the organization for helping hold the US government accountable, in particular the Trump administration, “for the ways in which it has put human rights on its back foot and put economic and military interests first.”

Before his death, 59-year-old Khashoggi had been living in self-imposed exile in the United States and contributing columns to The Washington Post that were critical of the kingdom’s crackdown on dissent. 

In addition to its advocacy and research, DAWN will provide a platform for Arab regional experts and political exiles like Khashoggi to publish their work. 

“Jamal was perhaps the Arab world’s most famous political exile whom Saudi Arabia tried to silence. We will give a voice to thousands like him who struggled for change in their countries,” Whitson said. 

Organizers say DAWN will also continue efforts to seek justice and accountability for Khashoggi’s murder. On Oct. 2, 2018, he walked into the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul to pick up paperwork needed to marry his Turkish fiancee. Once inside, Turkish officials say a 15-man Saudi hit squad killed and dismembered Khashoggi, whose remains were never recovered.

A UN investigation found the killing was “overseen, planned and endorsed by high-level officials.” The CIA concluded that Saudi Arabia’s de facto leader, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ordered the assassination. 

The Saudi government insists Khashoggi was killed in a “rogue” operation without the royal’s direct knowledge. During a 2019 interview with “60 Minutes,” the crown prince denied ordering the assasination but took “full responsibility as a leader,” acknowledging it was committed by individuals working for his government. 

There are scant opportunities for meaningful justice inside Saudi Arabia, activists say. In September, a Saudi court sentenced eight unnamed defendants to prison in a closed-door trial that Khashoggi’s fiancee called “a complete mockery of justice.”