The European Union has been clear since the beginning on its call for a thorough, credible and transparent investigation into the murder of the Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The EU took note of the announcement by Saudi authorities on 15 November on the latest developments in their investigation, yet the need remains to shed full clarity on the circumstances surrounding this horrendous crime as well as to ensure accountability for all those responsible for it.

The beginning of a judicial process should be a step towards accountability. Due process will be an important element to ensure justice in this case, which the international community has been asking for and the family and friends of the late Jamal Khashoggi deserve. It is the longstanding position of the European Union to oppose the death penalty in all cases and under all circumstances.

Together with our international partners we will watch closely the result of the investigation and we will continue to stress that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia must put in place measures to ensure that something like this can never happen again. In due course, the EU and its Member States will consider how they can act together towards appropriate measures against those responsible, in support of the rules based international system.