Jamal Khashoggi Disappearance: Turkish Officials Have Evidence Proving Saudi Murder
Image source www.alaraby.co.uk
According to recent reports, Turkish officials have audio and video evidence that shows missing Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was killed inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.
Washington Post’s writer Jamal Khashoggi, a critic of the Saudi government, has not been seen since he entered the consulate on October 2.
Turkish intelligence had “documented evidence” of the murder, a source close to the investigation said.
However, Saudi Arabia denies the allegations. It says Jamal Khashoggi left the building.
The journalist’s disappearance and reported death have prompted international outrage and dented business confidence in Saudi Arabia.
Richard Branson has suspended talks over $1 billion Saudi investment in Virgin space companies and several top business leaders have pulled out of a Saudi investment conference later this month.
The latest reports suggest an assault and a struggle took place in the consulate.
Jamal Khashoggi: Missing Washington Post Journalist Killed at Saudi Consulate in Istanbul?
Saudi Arabia $100 Billion Scandal: Over 200 People Detained in Anti-Corruption Purge
One source cited by the Washington Post said men can be heard beating Jamal Khashoggi; it adds that the recordings show he was killed and dismembered.
Earlier this week leading columnist Kemal Ozturk, considered close to the Turkish government, alleged there was a video of the moment Jamal Khashoggi was killed.
Turkish TV has already broadcast CCTV footage of the moment Jamal Khashoggi walked into the consulate for an appointment at which he was due to receive papers for his forthcoming marriage to Turkish fiancée Hatice Cengiz.
Separately, a video has emerged of men described as Saudi intelligence officers entering and leaving Turkey.
A 15-strong team has been identified by Turkish media who are described as involved in Jamal Khashoggi’s disappearance.
Turkey’s official line is that the journalist is missing but that it knows “for sure” he has been killed.
However, the government has agreed to a joint investigation with the Saudis, and a Saudi delegation arrived in Turkey on October 12 to take part in talks expected over the weekend.
Their arrival came a day after a senior Saudi royal figure, Prince Khaled al-Faisal, was said to have briefly visited Turkey amid signs that the Saudi monarchy was seeking an urgent solution to the diplomatic crisis between the two countries.