Klobuchar, Leahy Introduce Jamal Khashoggi Press Freedom Accountability Act

Press Release

U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Patrick Leahy (D-VT) introduced legislation to ensure governments that commit human rights abuses against journalists are held accountable by the United States. It is widely believed that Jamal Khashoggi, a Washington Post journalist and resident of the U.S., was murdered in Saudi Arabia's consulate in Istanbul under orders from the Saudi government because of his writings in opposition to Saudi government policies.

To help protect journalists across the world, the Jamal Khashoggi Press Freedom Accountability Act would place targeted sanctions, restrict foreign aid, and increase reporting on human rights abuses committed against journalists by foreign governments.

"Across the world, journalists keep citizens informed and government leaders accountable. We must ensure they are able to do their jobs without fear of harm," Klobuchar said. "It is unacceptable to suppress, imprison, and violently target the press, and the Jamal Khashoggi Press Freedom Accountability Act would ensure there are consequences for foreign governments who attempt to do so."

"It is appalling that journalists today in many countries are increasingly the targets of harassment, threats, wrongful imprisonment, and assassination by government agents," Leahy said. "Jamal Khashoggi's gruesome murder was not an isolated case. It showed the world the peril journalists face every day. The United States, where a free press is the cornerstone of our democracy, should do everything possible to defend the rights and safety of journalists and ensure that those who abuse their authority to intimidate and silence the press are held accountable. That is the goal of this legislation."

Representative Adam Schiff (D-CA) leads companion legislation in the House of Representatives.

"This legislation, named in honor of the late Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, would build upon the Daniel Pearl Freedom of the Press Act to strengthen the United States' commitment to hold to account those who would target journalists for violence and persecution," Schiff said. "A free and independent media is essential for a free society, and the United States must stand with journalists around the world who risk their lives to expose corruption, express independent and critical voices, and tell the difficult stories that must be told."

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