Relatives of people killed in the September 11 attacks accused Saudi Arabia of alleged complicity in the attacks during a remembrance ceremony in New York on Friday, while also criticising past US presidents for what they described as a failure to hold Riyadh accountable.

The remarks were made during the annual reading of victims’ names at the National September 11 Memorial, a traditionally solemn and largely apolitical event, making the accusations against Saudi Arabia a notable departure from the usual tone of the commemoration.

Families Raise Questions Over Saudi Arabia’s Alleged Role

The September 11, 2001 attacks were carried out by mostly Saudi hijackers and were orchestrated by Al-Qaeda founder Osama bin Laden, a wealthy Saudi.

Despite the allegations raised by victims’ families over the years, the United States has maintained close military and diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia.

Terry Strada, national chair of 9/11 Families United and widow of Tom Strada, questioned why families were still seeking what they considered justice 25 years after the attacks.

“You are missed more with each year that passes, but how can it be 25 years and still we have no justice for the role that Saudi Arabia played in your murder?” she said.

Calls For Accountability During Memorial

Strada said the families had finally succeeded in bringing their case before a court and alleged that Saudi Arabia had played a role in fostering anti-American extremism.

“Yes, we finally made it into a court and have proved that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia fomented a rancid culture of anti-American terrorism around the globe, and then sent its agents to support the radical Islamist hijackers so they could attack you and all of our loved ones,” she said.

Her remarks were met with cheers and applause from members of the audience at the memorial ceremony.

Traditionally Apolitical Ceremony Takes Political Turn

The annual commemoration at the National September 11 Memorial in New York is centred on remembering those killed in the attacks and traditionally avoids political statements.

This year’s ceremony, however, saw victims’ relatives directly raise questions about Saudi Arabia’s alleged role and criticise successive US administrations over their approach to Riyadh.

The comments reflected the continuing efforts by some families of those killed in the attacks to seek accountability over the circumstances surrounding the September 11 attacks, even as the United States continues to maintain strategic and diplomatic ties with Saudi Arabia.

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