Fiancee of murdered Jamal Khashoggi pens open letter to Newcastle fans urging them to resist takeover

The fiancée of murdered journalist Jamal Khashoggi has written an open letter to Newcastle United fans, urging them to resist the proposed takeover of the club by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF).

Hatice Cengiz warned fans the club ‘could become a home for those accused of murder and torture’ whose on the field achievements came under a ‘dark and ominous cloud’.

The PIF, backed by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman, is nearing a £300million takeover deal of the Magpies, who are currently owned by Mike Ashley.

Jamal Khashoggi, a journalist, author and columnist for the Washington Post, was killed at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, in October 2018, while Cengiz waited outside.

Western intelligence agencies, including the CIA, concluded that Bin Salman had ordered the assassination of Khashoggi, though the Crown Prince has denied the allegations.

A Saudi court sentenced five people to death and sent three more to jail for the murder of Khashoggi in December 2019, though a UN expert labelled the trail as "the antithesis of justice."

Last week, in an interview with BBC Radio 5 Live, Cengiz called upon the Premier League and Ashley to put a stop to the takeover, but she has now gone a step further, with the letter shared on Twitter and aimed directly at Newcastle fans.

“Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the absolute ruler of Saudi Arabia, is aiming to take over your club be offering a huge sum of money,” she wrote. “I know that so many of you are tempted by his offer to get out of the dire situation that had crippled your club for so many years. But the Crown Prince is accused of Jamal’s murder.

Mike Ashley is the current owner of Newcastle but is looking to sell the club
PA

“You as the loyal fans do have a big say in this. I implore you all to unite to protect your beloved club and city from the Crown Prince an those around him.

“Their hearts will not genuinely be in the club that means everything to you. I urge you to send this message loud and clear to the Premier League, to your club’s management, to your city’s leaders, and to the world. Your voice will be so very powerful.”

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