U.S. sanctions 16 Saudi nationals in murder plot

The Trump administration will block U.S. business transactions involving Saudi officials who allegedly took part in the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.    Using its authority under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, the Trump administration has sanctioned 16 Saudi nationals for their alleged role in the recent murder of The Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
   The sanctions include senior Saudi government official Saud al-Qahtani; his assistant, Maher Mutreb; Saudi Consul General Mohammed Alotaibi; and 14 other Saudi nationals. The Global Magnitsky Act targets the business activities of perpetrators of serious human rights abuse and corruption. 
   “These individuals who targeted and brutally killed a journalist who resided and worked in the United States must face consequences for their actions,” said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a statement.  
    As a result of these designations, which will be enforced by Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, any property or interests in property of the individuals designated within or transiting U.S. jurisdiction is immediately blocked. U.S. persons also are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with blocked persons, including entities 50 percent or more owned by designated persons.