Trump warned not to help 'cover-up' of journalist Jamal Khashoggi's murder
Jamal Khashoggi's fiancee says at a memorial that the US president "should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served".
Monday 29 October 2018 21:19, UK
The fiancee of murdered Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi has said Donald Trump "should not pave the way for a cover-up".
Hatice Cengiz, who waited outside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul when her partner went inside and never returned, gave a barbed message to the American president.
Speaking at a memorial to Mr Khashoggi in London, she said she was disappointed in the actions of the leadership in many countries, particularly in the US, and implied Mr Trump was letting money sway him.
:: Jamal Khashoggi: Saudi journalist's body parts found, say Sky sources
"President Trump should help reveal the truth and ensure justice be served," Ms Cengiz said through a translator.
"He should not pave the way for a cover-up of my fiance's murder.
"Let's not let money taint our conscience and compromise our values."
Jamal Khashoggi has not been seen since 2 October and President Trump has confirmed that he will not cancel existing contracts with Saudi Arabia because it would cost US jobs.
Ms Cengiz said she believes the Saudi regime knows where her late fiance's body is and that she wants the role of the "political leadership in this brutal killing to be brought to light".
In an emotional speech, she questioned what she would have done the day he disappeared if she had the gift of hindsight.
"If only I knew what would happen, I would have entered the consulate myself. If only I knew that would be the last time I would see my Jamal, his smile, hear his laughter, I would have stood in front of that murderous team myself," she said.
"If only I knew that a death squad was inside. If only I knew.
"Yet we never imagined such a level of barbarity, cruelty and evil could be waiting for Jamal."
She also said she has not been approached by the Saudi royal family or been offered condolences.
Crispin Blunt MP, who sits on the all party parliamentary group on Saudi Arabia, told those gathered at the memorial: "Jamal's death is a very profound moment.
"If the Saudi state does not deliver full accountability for his murder, the legacy will be one of terror."
He continued to say that Saudi Arabia must reform and "do penance for this appalling crime", partially "to ensure the substantial British interests engaged with Saudi Arabia are not toxified entirely by association with a slide into terror".
Mr Blunt added: "At this moment of truth, Britain should consider every possible measure to try to make Jamal's dream for Saudi Arabia a reality."
Ms Cengiz's speech at the memorial, organised in Westminster by the non-profit organisation Middle East Monitor, comes as the investigation into Mr Khashoggi's death inches forwards.
In a show of co-operation, top Saudi and Turkish prosecutors have discussed the investigation into the killing.
Last week, Turkey demanded the extradition of 18 Saudi nationals accused of murdering Mr Khashoggi with "monstrous intent".
The Istanbul prosecutor's office has prepared an extradition request for the suspects.
They are accused of murdering Mr Khashoggi in the Turkish capital's Saudi consulate by "premeditation, monstrous intent or by torture", according to the prosecutor's office.
Saudi prosecutors said Mr Khashoggi's murder was premeditated, changing the country's account again to try to ease international outrage.
Mr Khashoggi's body has still not been found.