Jamal Khashoggi’s sons say father’s death ‘over politicized’ by some parties

The sons of late Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi rejected attempts by some parties to politically exploit their father's death.

Abdullah and Salah were speaking to CNN in their first media interview following their father’s killing in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 2.

"I see a lot of people coming out right now and trying to claim his legacy and unfortunately some of them are using that in a political way that we totally don't agree with," Salah said.

"Public opinion is important... but my fear is that it's being over politicized. People are throwing analysis that may direct us away from the truth."

Asked how Khashoggi should be remembered, Salah replied, "as a moderate man who has common values with everyone... a man who loved his country, who believed so much in it and its potential."

"Jamal was never a dissident. He believed in the monarchy that it is the thing that is keeping the country together. And he believed in the transformation that it is going through."

Salah said it was important that their father’s body be buried, for their family to grieve or find closure.

"All what we want right now is to bury him in Al-Baqi (cemetery) in Madinah (Saudi Arabia) with the rest of his family," Salah said.

"I talked about that with the Saudi authorities and I just hope that it happens soon."