Saudi Arabia admits Khashoggi killed in Istanbul consulate
October 20, 2018  08:23
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More than two weeks after his disappearance, Saudi Arabia on Saturday admitted that journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside its consulate in Istanbul, 

The kingdom also sacked deputy intelligence chief Ahmad al-Assiri and royal court media advisor Saud al-Qahtani, both top aides to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman who has faced mounting pressure over the Khashoggi affair.
Saudi Attorney General Sheikh Saud al-Mojeb confirmed the news saying that prelimenery investigations indicate that Khashoggi died after "discussions" at the consulate devolved into an altercation.

However, he did not disclose any details on the whereabouts of Khashoggi's body.

"Preliminary investigations... revealed that the discussions that took place between him and the persons who met him... at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul led to a brawl and a fist fight with the citizen, Jamal Khashoggi, which led to his death, may his soul rest in peace," the attorney general said in a statement.
Reacting to the news, the White House said it was "saddened" to hear the confirmation of Saudi Arabia's dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi's death, but made no mention of action against the major US ally.
"We are saddened to hear confirmation of Mr Khashoggi's death, and we offer our deepest condolences to his family, fiance and friends," White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said after the Saudi Arabia issued a statement saying the journalist was killed in a fist fight with unidentified men inside the consulate.
President Donald Trump said he doesn't think he was lied to by Saudi leaders over the death of Khashoggi.
"I think it's a great first step," Trump said on Saudi Arabia's statement which he says he considers credible.
As many as 18 people have been taken into custody, according to Saudi officials.
An investigation in this regard is on.
"The United States acknowledges the announcement from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that its investigation into the fate of Jamal Khashoggi is progressing and that it has taken action against the suspects it has identified thus far," Sanders said.
"We will continue to closely follow the international investigations into this tragic incident and advocate for justice that is timely, transparent and in accordance with all due process," the White House Press Secretary said.
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