Justin Bieber.Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty
The fiancée of slain journalistJamal Khashoggiis urgingJustin Bieberto bow out of a scheduled performance in Saudi Arabia as a means of supporting “the cause of human rights” in the Middle Eastern country.
Hatice Cengiz was engaged to marry Khashoggi, a journalist andWashington Postcontributing columnist, when he entered the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018 and was never seen again.
“His brutal murder made headlines all over the world. Ever since, many human rights organizations and individuals, including myself, have been calling for justice and accountability,” Cengiz wrote. “That’s why I am writing to you with a plea: Cancel your Dec. 5 performance in Saudi Arabia.”
“This is a unique opportunity to send a powerful message to the world that your name and talent will not be used to restore the reputation of a regime that kills its critics,” she continued.
Jamal Khashoggi.MOHAMMED AL-SHAIKH/AFP via Getty
The “Peaches” singer is currently scheduled to perform in Jiddah at the Formula One Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, along with other artists likeA$AP Rocky,Jason Derulo, David Guetta andTiësto.
Cengiz explained that Bieber’s invitation to perform came directly from the crown prince, and referred to him as her fiancé’s “executioner.” The crown prince has denied any involvement in Khashoggi’s murder, though he was implicated in a U.S. intelligence report in February, according toReuters.
“I know that you are dedicated to your fans and are traveling to Saudi Arabia on their behalf,” Cengiz wrote. “However, there are hundreds of Saudis, of all ages, backgrounds and religious beliefs, languishing in prison, punished for merely expressing their opposition to the merciless Saudi dictatorship of MBS.”
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A rep for Bieber did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
Human Rights Watch also noted that celebrities likeEmily RatajkowskiandJohn Cenahave previously turned down opportunities in Saudi Arabia, “citing a concern of human rights.”
Khashoggi, 60, was a Saudi native who had been living in self-imposed exile in Virginia. He vanished after walking into the Saudi consulate in Istanbul to obtain what he believed were divorce papers. TheFebruary reportstated that the crown prince “viewed Khashoggi as a threat to the Kingdom and broadly supported using violent measures if necessary to silence him.”
source: people.com
