Shaheen Statement on Sanctions Against Saudi Officials for Khashoggi Murder

(Washington, DC) – U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations and Armed Services Committees, issued the following statement in response to the United States Department of Treasury’s announcement of sanctions against Saudi Arabian officials for their role in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi: 

“These sanctions are a positive first step in sending a clear message to the Saudis that America will not overlook this grotesque violation of human rights and overt attempt to intimidate the free press,” said Shaheen. “However, everyone who had a hand in Khashoggi’s brutal murder should be subject to strict sanctions, and, as I review this list, it’s clear that it is not comprehensive. America’s response to Khashoggi’s murder has significant implications for our credibility around the globe, and there must be further sanctions on Saudi leadership who ordered this assassination. We must send a clear message that the United States stands unequivocally on the side of human rights and democratic values.”