Christophe Deloire

The complaint details systematic persecution of journalists in Saudi Arabia, in particular the arbitrary detention of journalists and the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi.

The complaint, a document of over 500 pages in German, addresses 35 cases: that of slain Saudi columnist Mr Khashoggi as well as 34 journalists who have been jailed in Saudi Arabia, including 33 currently in detention – among them, blogger Raif Badawi.

The complaint identifies five primary suspects: the Crown Prince, his close advisor Saud Al-Qahtani, and three other high-ranking Saudi officials.

It cites in evidence a declassified Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) report that confirms its own assessment that crimes against humanity targeting such people as journalists, have been decided by the Crown Prince as part of a systematic policy.

RSF determined that the German judiciary is the best suited system to receive such a complaint, as German laws give them jurisdiction over core international crimes committed abroad, and German courts have already shown readiness and willingness to prosecute international criminals. Moreover, the German government has repeatedly expressed its great interest in achieving justice in the cases of Mr Khashoggi and Mr Badawi.

RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire said: “While these serious crimes against journalists continue unabated, we call on the German prosecutor to take a stand and open an investigation into the crimes we have revealed. No one should be above international law, especially when crimes against humanity are at stake. The urgent need for justice is long overdue.”

RSF Germany director Christian Mihr added: “The official opening of a criminal investigation in Germany into the crimes against humanity in Saudi Arabia would be a world first. We ask the Public Prosecutor General to open a situation analysis, with a view to formally launching a prosecutorial investigation and issuing arrest warrants.”