Saudi Arabia jails eight over Khashoggi murder, fiancee decries trial

13 Sept 11:56 Key points summarised by AI

A Saudi court sentenced eight individuals to 7-20 years in prison for the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, a verdict reached after his family forgave the killers, setting aside previous death sentences.
The trial drew strong international criticism from UN officials, human rights groups, and Khashoggi's fiancee, who argued that the true masterminds, including Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, were not held accountable.
Khashoggi's murder at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul, where his body was reportedly dismembered and never found, caused a global uproar and severely tarnished the reformist image of Prince Mohammed.
While Khashoggi's family lawyer welcomed the ruling as 'fair and deterrent' under Sharia law, critics, including Turkey, deemed the verdict insufficient, demanding greater transparency and accountability for higher-ranking officials involved.

Speculation growing over merger between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham parties

Today 16:46 Key points summarised by AI

A dinner between Bhumjaithai and Kla Tham party leaders sparked rumors of a potential merger, though Bhumjaithai's leader, Anutin, downplayed it as a casual meal.
The meeting is widely interpreted as a strategic message from Bhumjaithai to the Pheu Thai party, signaling alternative support ahead of an upcoming no-confidence debate.
Thailand's Constitution (Section 99) currently prohibits direct mergers of parties with sitting MPs during the House's term, a rule designed to prevent the 'buying and selling' of MPs.
While direct mergers are restricted, MPs can still switch parties if dismissed by a three-fourths party vote or if their party dissolves, allowing for indirect political realignments.
Kla Tham's voting behavior in the censure debate will demonstrate its loyalty to the government, potentially influencing future political dynamics despite current merger restrictions.