In February 2019 , during a debate organised by Intelligence Squared in London , Hasan stated that the West should cut ties with Saudi Arabia , saying “ It ’s time we make clear that the West needs to cut its ties with Saudi Arabia , especially military ties , arms exports , weapons , bombs , ” The comments were made in response to the assassination of Jamal Khashoggi , allegedly ordered by the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia , Mohammad Bin Salman , as well as several human rights violations which Hasan cited as also being carried out by Saudi Arabia . Hasan had previously interviewed Khashoggi about freedom of speech in Saudi Arabia
assassination
Assassination of Jamal Khashoggi
Mehdi Hasan