This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
Section Of West LA Named After Slain Journalist Jamal Khashoggi
Officials at the renaming ceremony on Monday, Oct. 2nd.
(
Courtesy of Councilmember Traci Park's office
)
Topline:
A section of Wilshire Boulevard adjacent to the Saudi consulate was renamed "Jamal Khashoggi Square” in honor of the slain Washington Post columnist and Saudi journalist. Khashoggi was killed five years ago on Oct. 2 on the orders of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, according to a U.S. intelligence report.
Why it matters: Hannah Garry, executive director at UCLA’s Promise Institute for Human Rights, was present at yesterday’s renaming of the section of street from Centinela Avenue to McClellan Drive and called it a form of justice and reparation.
“To this date, there has been nearly complete impunity for the state sanctioned murder,” she said. “This commemoration of the square is an important step forward in attaining some form of justice and reminding us of all of the ongoing transnational repression against journalists and dissidents and those who speak out for democracy and human rights.”
Background: The Los Angeles City Council approved the resolution to rename the section of street in April, but waited for Khashoggi’s fifth death anniversary to hold the renaming ceremony. Councilmember Traci Park spearheaded the effort.
Khashoggi was a prominent Saudi journalist who fled his home country in 2017 when bin Salman rose to power. But he was killed in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, Turkey in 2018.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
