Saudi Arabia Trump: Saudi crown prince has top human rights record
US President Donald Trump has given Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman a first-class report card on human rights during his visit to Washington. "I'm very proud of what he's done. What he's done is incredible, in terms of human rights and everything else," Trump said in the Oval Office next to a visibly satisfied MBS, as the Saudi heir to the throne is often simply called. Trump added: "It's an honor to be your friend, and it's an honor to have you here."
18.11.2025, 19:15
SDA
The Saudi de facto ruler's visit had provoked fierce criticism from journalists and human rights activists. In particular, the murder of journalist and government critic Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 had at times significantly clouded relations with the USA. Khashoggi had worked as a columnist for the renowned US newspaper "Washington Post", among others. His body was dismembered and cannot be found to this day. The US intelligence services saw the Saudi crown prince as the mastermind behind the crime.
However, Trump brusquely dismissed a journalist's question about the Khashoggi case. "Things happen," said Trump. In any case, Mohammed bin Salman knew nothing about the case, said the US President.
Activists: Worst repression in the country's history
Human Rights Watch and other human rights organizations published an appeal shortly before the visit in which they called for the USA to take a clear stance. Washington must address issues such as the executions in the country, which are heading for a record this year with 300 people already executed. It is highly unlikely that the accused will receive a fair trial.
According to the activists, Saudi Arabia has experienced the worst suppression of freedom of expression and disregard for human rights in the country's modern history in recent years.
