Al-Raya: Jamal Khashoggi's Mysterious Disappearance is of Concern for All Journalists at Arab and International Levels

Doha, October 14 (QNA) - In its editorial Sunday, Qatari newspaper Al-Raya affirmed that Jamal Khashoggi's disappearance is a matter of concern not only to his family and acquaintances, but to all journalists in the Arab and international levels. The newspaper stressed that Saudi Arabia must comply with the investigation of Khashoggi's mysterious disappearance, who was last seen 12 days ago, linked with suspicious circumstances that are causes for concern for the public opinion in the Arab and international regions. Qatar Press Centre's deep concern about the disappearance of the Saudi journalist, after reports saying he was brutally killed after entering the Saudi consult in Istanbul on Oct 2, came out of the Center's keenness on his safety, especially that the developments related to his disappearance are suspicious and remained mysterious, and since the news first broke out, there are controversy and ambiguity that made his case followed-up with interest by the global community, Al-Raya said. The Qatari daily urged human rights and freedom of expression organizations to take strong positions on the issue of Khashoggi's disappearance, and carry out honest and independent investigations to reveal the truth and expose those involved in this case away from political calculations, as the Centre called. Khashoggi's disappearance in mysterious circumstances is a matter of deep concern, therefore the investigation must not waste time before uncovering the truth, as the entire situation is deeply unacceptable, Al-Raya noted. Journalists should not be targeted or harassed, and those responsible for investigating the case must disclose and announce the fate of Khashoggi immediately and prosecute those who were involved, the newspaper underlined, adding that this event represents a message to every free journalist in the world and violates the most basic international laws, international human rights law and the United Nations conventions on the right to freedom of expression. Concluding, Al-Raya said Khashoggi's disappearance or assassination has become an international public opinion issue, not concerning Saudi Arabia alone, but also a source of international concern at the level of states, governments and international organizations. (QNA)