Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 13 November 2018
147. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the sanctions he is seeking at EU level against Saudi Arabia for the killing of a person (details supplied); and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46773/18]
Amharc ar fhreagraIreland fully supports calls for independent and impartial investigation into the murder of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. High Representative Federica Mogherini has issued a statement on behalf of the European Union insisting on the need for ‘continued thorough, credible and transparent investigation, shedding proper clarity on the circumstances of the killing and ensuring full accountability of all those responsible for it’. Having called for investigation we must wait and give consideration to findings based on verifiable evidence before considering next steps. Our approach will be in tandem with our EU partners and will depend on the next steps taken by Saudi authorities.
As previously mentioned in the Dáil, I met with the Saudi Ambassador, H.E. Mr Nail bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, on 18 October and stressed the widespread shock caused by the case and the necessity for credible and open investigation. It is imperative that an investigation gets to the facts of the case and ensures that those responsible for the killing are held accountable. Senior officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade have reiterated Ireland’s concerns to the Ambassador in recent weeks.
Freedom of expression is a fundamental right under international human rights law. Journalists play a vital role in holding governments to account. Ireland has consistently raised issues of human rights in Saudi Arabia, at bilateral, EU and international level. At the UN Human Rights Council in September, Ireland co-sponsored a resolution on ‘Safety of Journalists’, condemning all violence against journalists and urging all states to ensure accountability for such attacks.
Ireland specifically raised the Khashoggi case at the UN Human Rights Council on 5 November in our intervention during the Universal Periodic Review of Saudi Arabia’s human rights record.
Ireland will continue to raise concerns about human rights issues directly with the Saudi authorities, and at EU and international levels, whenever appropriate opportunities arise.
