French Judge to Probe Complaint Against Saudi’s MBS Over Journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s Killing

As of May 16, 2026, a French judge has initiated an inquiry into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose killing sparked international outrage. The investigation has been opened in response to complaints filed by organizations such as TRIAL International and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), alleging that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) was involved in the crime.

Khashoggi, a prominent critic of the Saudi regime and a columnist for The Washington Post, was murdered at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. Following his murder, U.S. intelligence assessments indicated that the Crown Prince was likely responsible for ordering the operation, although he has consistently denied direct involvement, stating that it occurred "under my watch."

The inquiry will cover serious allegations, including torture and enforced disappearance, as the National Anti-Terrorism Prosecutor's Office confirmed the appointment of an investigating judge from the crimes against humanity unit. This decision follows years of legal maneuvers and previous attempts to prosecute the matter that faced challenges in France.

Rights advocate Emmanuel Daoud, representing RSF, labeled the assassination an "abominable crime," calling for accountability at the highest level of the Saudi state. The inquiry marks a significant step towards addressing the concerns raised by human rights organizations regarding the circumstances of Khashoggi’s killing.

Despite the international condemnation following Khashoggi's murder, Saudi Arabia has worked to reintegrate into the global community, with MBS recently characterizing the incident as a "huge mistake" during discussions with international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump.

The initiation of this judicial investigation adds a new legal front to the contentious case and highlights the ongoing global demand for justice regarding human rights abuses associated with authoritarian regimes. As the legal proceedings unfold, they may impact both Saudi Arabia’s international relations and discussions around press freedom and human rights in the Arab world.