The “current situation” played a part in the Gates Foundation’s decision, a spokesperson told The Wall Street Journal, referring to the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
“Jamal Khashoggi’s abduction and murder is extremely troubling. We are observing current events with concern,” the foundation said in a statement.
Khashoggi, a Saudi national and columnist for The Washington Post, was killed on October 2nd inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. After weeks of denying involvement, the Kingdom admitted he had been killed at the consulate and that it was premeditated.
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The cutting of aid by Gates Foundation came amidst reports that Crown Prince Salman had disparaged Khashoggi as a member of the Muslim Brotherhood, in talks with US officials, after the journalist’s murder.