Langhorne, PA—Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released a statement regarding the murder and dismemberment of journalist and U.S. resident, Jamal Khashoggi:

“As mounting evidence appears to indicate that the Government of Saudi Arabia directed the murder and dismemberment of Jamal Khashoggi, I am requesting that the Trump Administration conduct an immediate and thorough investigation to determine those responsible for this extrajudicial killing, torture, and violation of internationally recognized human rights.

Any person responsible for such a violation of human rights violations related to Mr. Khashoggi should face immediate sanctions pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act and criminal prosecution. I urge the Administration to use all necessary pressure to garner greater cooperation from Saudi officials to investigate this heinous crime.

We must uphold our foundational principles of press freedom and free speech. The alleged execution of a journalist stands in direct contrast to the values of the United States. We will not tolerate any person, or regime, that does not hold accountable actors who commit these horrific crimes.”

Under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the President, upon receipt of a letter from the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee or House Foreign Affairs Committee, must make a determination and is authorized to impose sanctions with respect to a foreign person responsible for extrajudicial killings, torture, or other gross violations of internationally recognized human rights violations against individuals who seek to obtain, exercise, defend, or promote human rights and freedoms, including freedom of expression.

The chairman and ranking member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee also wrote to the President urging an investigation pursuant to the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.

###