The family of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has forgiven those who killed their father, his son Salah wrote in a tweet on Friday.
“On this virtuous night of this holy month, we recall what God Almighty said in his holy book: “The repayment of bad actions, is one equivalent to it, But whoever pardons and makes reconciliation, his reward lies with God. He does not love the unjust,” he said.
“Thus, we, sons of the martyr Jamal Khashoggi, announce that we forgive those who killed our father – may he rest in peace - for the sake of God Almighty, hopefully seeking reward with the Almighty,” he added.
Mr Kashoggi was killed while visiting the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in October 2018. His body was reportedly dismembered and removed from the building but his remains have not been found.
Five people were sentenced to death for his murder and three others received jail terms for participating in the crime.
Saudi officials have said the killing was part of a “rogue operation.”
Acts of forgiveness are common during the last 10 days of Ramadan and under Islamic law, death sentences can be commuted in cases where the victim’s family offers a pardon, but it is not clear whether that will apply in this instance.
Shalaan Al-Shalaan, the Saudi deputy public prosecutor and spokesman said that the trials, which took place in Riyadh, showed that the killing was not premeditated... The decision was taken at the spur of the moment.”
Salah Khashoggi said the December verdict "has been fair to us and that justice has been achieved."
Prior to his death, Mr Kashoggi was living in the US and writing for The Washington Post newspaper.
