RIYADH — Saudi Arabia"s human rights chief has strongly rejected the suggestion that he made a veiled threat against UN human rights expert Agnes Callamard more than a year ago. Callamard, who led the UN investigation into the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, has claimed that a Saudi official threatened at a meeting in Geneva last year. In a series of tweets on Thursday, President of the Human Rights Commission (HRC) Awwad Al-Awwad dismissed the claim, saying: “It has come to my attention that Ms. Agnes Callamard of Amnesty International and some UN officials believe I somehow made a veiled threat against her more than a year ago.” “I reject this suggestion in the strongest terms. While I cannot recall the exact conversations, I never would have desired or threatened any harm upon a UN-appointed individual, or anyone for that matter.” Expressing his strong displeasure over the claim, Al-Awwad said: “I am disheartened that anything I have said could be interpreted as a threat. I am an advocate for human rights and I spend my day working to ensure those values are upheld.” “As a former diplomat I understand the critical importance of dialogue even with people we may strongly disagree with.” “I see threats against the personal integrity of any individual as against my moral code. And they are a violation of the most sacred tenets of my religion,” the HRC chief added. The Saudi rights chief suggested the claims appear to be politically motivated against Saudi Arabia. “I truly hope that this story was not concocted to distract from the important work we are doing to advance human rights in Saudi Arabia. No country is advancing faster on reforms than us right now,” Al-Awwad “I remain committed to the essential work of advancing human rights in Saudi Arabia, in line with our Vision 2030 agenda for transformation. And that is where all my energy will continue to be focused,” the HRC chief added.