A plane carrying the same message will also fly over at kick-off
A poster calling for justice for murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has been seen outside St. James’ Park ahead of Newcastle United’s first game since the completion of the Saudi-backed takeover.
Khashoggi, a critic of Saudi Arabia’s government, was murdered in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. A CIA intelligence report concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman is likely to have approved the operation to kill or capture the journalist.
Newcastle’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) was finalised during the international break, despite a plea from Khashoggi’s widow for the Premier League not to cave in.
The English top flight approved the deal after being given assurances that the PIF was separate to the Saudi state – despite the fact it is chaired by Bin Salman.
Amnesty International and others have since criticised the Premier League for allowing the deal to be concluded in light of the Middle East State’s human rights record, claiming it is an attempt to sportswash the country’s reputation – damaged by the allegations about Khashoggi’s murder.
The home game against Tottenham on Sunday will be Newcastle’s first since the takeover, and the poster, which was attached to the side of a van, was seen in various locations around the city prior to kick-off – including outside St James’ Park’s Gallowgate End.
A tweet from Blair McDougall, one of those who helped organised the poster, thanked those who had helped with its crowdfunding.
“Thanks to everyone who gave to the crowdfund to make this happen and help ensure that MBS cannot sportswash away human rights abuses,” his tweet read.
https://twitter.com/blairmcdougall/status/1449686676901666819
McDougall also confirmed that a plane will fly over St Jame’s Park as the Premier League game kicks off carrying the same ‘Justice for Jamal’ message.
Related links:
- CIA reportedly concludes Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered killing of Jamal Khashoggi
- Newcastle has sold its name and reputation to a brutal government with a brutal ruler, says human rights group
- Widow of assassinated journalist urges Premier League not to ‘cave in’ to Saudi Newcastle takeover
