After the withdrawal of partners .. Misk Foundation promotes alone Mohammed bin Salman in New York

Mohamed Minshawi-Washington

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been forced to organize a "World Musk Forum" in New York, following the withdrawal of the American partner representing the New York Public Library and the international partner represented by the Office of the UN Youth Envoy.

The Misk Foundation is the charity arm of the Saudi Crown Prince, which aims to promote himself and his programs through initiatives to encourage young Saudis to learn and develop leadership and management skills.

In a statement issued by the New York Public Library, which is located in the heart of Manhattan, steps away from the United Nations building, it was decided to cancel participation and not to host the forum, following widespread protests.

"We will not host the event because of public concerns," the library statement said, amid speculation that the library's administration may fear criticism of human rights organizations as the first anniversary of the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi approaches.

"The cancellation of participation and hosting the forum was the right decision after weeks of protests that gathered thousands of signatures," said Ivan Chesler, chairman of the Library's Board of Trustees.

Susan Nocel, president of Ben America, said the library had made the right decision. "Mohammed bin Salman has engineered the killing and cutting of the body of journalist Jamal Khashoggi."

Sarah Leah Whitson, head of the Middle East and North Africa division at Human Rights Watch, tweeted, “How did the New York Public Library think of hosting Mohammed bin Salman and his puppet-like institution? Killing and imprisoning journalists, writers and activists. "

The withdrawal of the New York Library was followed by the announcement by the UN Secretary-General's Spokesman that the participation of UN Youth Envoy Jayathma Wickramanayak in the forum was canceled.

Justice for beauty
Dozens of people held a vigil in front of the entrance to the hall, which saw the Misk Youth Forum and held up banners saying "Justice for Jamal," widely believed in the United States to be responsible for the killing.

"The Saudi crown prince is hosting an event in New York next to the United Nations. We are here to remind him that nothing has been done about justice for Jamal," Human Rights First tweeted in a photo gathering several of its employees holding banners.

The forum was to be attended by 300 people, but an online campaign signed by thousands of participants prompted many to retreat.

Human Rights Watch executive director Kenneth Roth tweeted: "I will not be involved in beautifying the Saudi crown prince and justifying his human rights abuses by participating in the forum."