Killing of Jamal Khashoggi

The claim contradicts a 2021 US intelligence report, which said the de facto leader "approved an operation" to "capture or kill" the journalist.

The Saudi royal, who vows to modernise his country, has faced accusations of human rights violations.

Hanan Elatr, the widow of the journalist murdered in a Saudi consulate, came to the US in August 2020.

The trip, not yet confirmed, would be his first since the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Mohammed bin Salman now has immunity against a lawsuit due to his new role as prime minister.

Mohammed bin Salman was personally involved in a prisoner release, the Saudi foreign minister says.

Human rights groups had criticised the decision to invite Mohammed Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler.