2018 in Review: Loved ones suffer grief on killing of Khashoggi

World
Europe

03:31

One of the most shocking and troubling happenings of 2018 was no doubt the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. The killing took place inside the Saudi Arabian Consulate in Istanbul and created an international uproar. But as is often the case with the loss of life, the ones most affected were the loved ones left behind. CGTN's Michal Bardavid has more.

Jamal Khashoggi's unfortunate murder has made him one of the most influential journalists of 2018. Time magazine selected him as one of 2018's Person's of the Year as the "Guardians of the truth" along with other journalists. He was a columnist for the Washington Post, where he often criticized the Saudi government and advocated for free press.

MICHAL BARDAVID ISTANBUL, TURKEY "Jamal Khashoggi entered this building of the Saudi Arabian consulate here in Istanbul on October 2nd. Riyadh has since admitted – he was killed inside by Saudi nationals and his body dismembered. Khashoggi's intention in coming here was to obtain paperwork to marry his Turkish fiancé Hatice Cengiz who was waiting for him outside."

It was Cengiz who notified Turkish authorities that he was missing. Days passed by, and it became clear that Khashoggi – the man she was planning to marry and spend the rest of her life with – was never coming back. As the world shared her shock, Cengiz shared her pain. In a tweet she wrote: 'The heart grieves, the eye tears, and with your separation we are saddened, my dear Jamal.'

Cengiz called on US President Donald Trump to help prevent a cover-up. But the White House stance was quite different than she expected, with Trump repeatedly emphasizing economic ties with Saudi Arabia were sensitive. Disappointed and heartbroken, Cengiz in a column for the Washington Post wrote; "the Trump administration has taken a position that is devoid of moral foundation".

Cengiz has since called on the international community to seek for justice.

HATICE CENGIZ FIANCEE OF JAMAL KHASHOGGI "Myself and my government in respect of this matter, want all of those responsible including those who gave the order to those who carried it out, from the bottom to the top to be tried and to receive the necessary punishments according to international law."

Jamal Khashoggi also left four loving children behind. The relatives of Khashoggi had to endure reading and watching news of the assassination. Khashoggi's eldest son was still in Saudi Arabia when his father was murdered. Unlike other family members who were already in the US – despite having dual citizenship he was not allowed to leave Saudi Arabia.

It was only after a meeting with the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman – where condolences were offered – that Salah finally was given permission to travel to the US.

With Khashoggi's body never retrieved - his family and friends were forced to carry out a funeral in absence, even more burden on their grief.

But Cengiz says it's important to remember Jamal Khashoggi for his kindness and compassion as she says she will always follow her fiancee's principles and his path.

In his last column for the Washington Post – Khashoggi stressed the need for freedom of press. Saudi Arabian assassins may have killed Jamal Khashoggi, but it seems clear, he will not be silenced. Michal Bardavid, CGTN, Istanbul.