In a shocking turn of events, a key suspect in the brutal murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi briefly had his X account reinstated, sparking outrage and raising serious questions about the social media platform’s policies under Elon Musk’s leadership. The move has left many wondering about the implications for justice and accountability in this high-profile case.
The Reinstatement Heard ‘Round the World
Saud al-Qahtani, a former top adviser to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had his X account briefly reinstated after being permanently suspended under the platform’s previous ownership. Qahtani has been identified by US intelligence as having “direct involvement” in the grisly murder of Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul in 2018.
The stunning move quickly drew attention and condemnation from human rights advocates and journalists around the world. Many expressed disbelief that a platform would allow a suspect in such a heinous crime to have a voice on their platform.
“It is a telling indictment of the current state of X that a man suspected of involvement in the killing of a Saudi journalist, who was also suspended for manipulating Twitter, and who personally created a black list of those critical of Saudi regime policy, is having his account reinstated,” said Marc Owen Jones, a disinformation expert.
A Controversial Move Under Musk’s Leadership
The reinstatement of Qahtani’s account comes at a time when X, and its owner Elon Musk, have been under intense scrutiny for their handling of controversial accounts and figures on the platform. Musk has made a point of reinstating several high-profile individuals who were previously banned, including former US President Donald Trump.
Critics argue that allowing individuals like Qahtani back on the platform sends a dangerous message about X’s priorities and values. It raises questions about whether the company is more concerned with free speech absolutism than with holding those in power accountable for their actions.
Suspicions of Saudi Influence
The move also reignites concerns about the influence of Saudi Arabia on X and other social media platforms. The kingdom is a major investor in X through Prince Alwaleed bin Talal’s stake in the company. Some worry that this financial relationship could be impacting decisions about content moderation and account reinstatements.
“Saudi have a big stake in X so they could be using their leverage or there could be some pressure to bring back and rehabilitate [Qahtani],” Jones speculated. “Ultimately we don’t know for sure why he’s back, but it would be a weird mistake or glitch to happen.”
Swift Reversal and Lingering Questions
Hours after reports emerged about Qahtani’s account being reinstated, X reversed course and suspended the account once again. The company cited an “error” that led to the original suspension being lifted.
While the swift action to re-suspend the account is a positive step, it does not erase the troubling questions raised by the initial reinstatement. What does it say about X’s internal processes and safeguards that such an “error” could occur with an account tied to a murder suspect? Can users trust that the platform will consistently enforce its policies, especially when it comes to the powerful and well-connected?
The Fight for Justice Continues
For those still seeking justice for Jamal Khashoggi, the brief reinstatement of Qahtani’s account serves as a painful reminder of how much work still needs to be done. It underscores the importance of holding social media platforms accountable for their role in amplifying the voices of those accused of grave human rights abuses.
As the world watches to see how X and other tech giants navigate these thorny issues, one thing remains clear: the fight for justice and accountability in the Khashoggi case, and countless others like it, is far from over. The international community must remain vigilant in demanding transparency, consistency, and moral leadership from these influential platforms.
Only by shining a bright light on these controversies and applying sustained pressure can we hope to see real change. The memory of Jamal Khashoggi, and all those who have been silenced for speaking truth to power, demands nothing less.
