France's government said in a statement on Thursday that it issued travel bans for 18 Saudi Arabian citizens in response to their suspected involvement in the murder of Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi. The statement added that France could take further measures if investigations prove more people were involved in the killing.
Khashoggi, who was one of the harshest critics of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, was killed and dismembered in October in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. The Saudi government strongly denied any involvement in the crime, but a CIA probe reportedly concluded the murder was ordered by Bin Salman.
Germany and the United States already issued sanctions against the Saudi citizens suspected of taking part in the Khashoggi killing. However, US President Donald Trump vowed to maintain a partnership with Saudi Arabia despite noting Bin Salman could have "had knowledge" of the murder. Trump also insisted the Saudi crown prince "hates" the situation surrounding the Khashoggi murder more than he does.
