Argentina prosecutor acts on complaint against Saudi crown prince

Argentina prosecutor acts on complaint against Saudi crown prince
Argentina is moving forward a complaint by human rights activists against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
2 min read
28 November, 2018
Mohammed bin Salman has come under fire following the murder of Khashoggi [Getty[
Argentina's prosecutor is acting on a complaint by human rights activists against Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who is in the country for this year's G20 summit.

The prosecutor was requested by Human Rights Watch to take action against the crown prince while he is in Argentina for alleged crimes against humanity.

This relates to the bloody war in Yemen, which Prince Mohammed in accused of instigating, along with his alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on 2 October.

The Argentine prosecutor has asked a judge to determine whether Saudi Arabia or Yemen are investigating Prince Mohammed for alleged crimes against humanity, AP reported on Wednesday.

This has also been confirmed by Human Rights Watch, who put forward the case.

"Argentina prosecutor proceeds with case against MBS, asks judge to request information from Yemen & Saudi governments re alleged crimes, and asks Argentine MFS (ministry of foreign affairs) re MBS's diplomatic status," tweeted Sarah Leah Whitson from group, using the prince's initials.

Human Rights Watch want Argentina to prosecute the crown prince, during his visit to the country for the G20 summit.

Although this is unlikely to happen, Human Rights Watch says it shows that powerful figures "will be scrutinised if implicated in grave international crimes".

Yemen's war has left at least 10,000 dead, according to the UN, with millions at risk of death from famine due to the conflict and blockade.

Turkey says Khashoggi was murdered at the consulate by a team of Saudi officials sent to the kingdom to the purpose.