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Saudis Admit Khashoggi Died Inside Turkish Consulate

By Jeralyn, Section Foreign Affairs
Posted on Sat Oct 20, 2018 at 03:26:19 PM EST
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Saudi Arabia has issued a statement acknowledging that journalist Jamal Khashoggi died inside the Turkish consulate. But they claim he died as the result of a fist-fight.

"An argument erupted between him [Khashoggi] and others whom he met in the Saudi consulate in Istanbul leading to a fist fight which led to his death," SPA reported.

"The investigations are still under way and 18 Saudi nationals have been arrested," a statement from the Saudi public prosecutor said, adding royal court adviser Saud al-Qahtani and deputy intelligence chief Ahmed al-Asiri were fired from their positions.

Here is the actual Saudi press release. The Saudis are firmly standing behind the Crown Prince. Here is a statement today from the Saudi Minister of Justice: [More...]

He stressed that the judicial institution, in the Kingdom, was founded on the principles of Islamic laws and values of justice, upon which this blessed country was built, bearing in mind the application of the provisions of the Shariah, which enjoins administration of justice and realization of the right and the establishment of the values of justice.

The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and HRH Crown Prince are the principal supporters of the judicial institution, to stand in the face of anyone who wanted to harm the country or harm the rights of citizens, whomsoever he might be, he added.

He stressed that the judiciary, in the Kingdom, enjoys full independence to deal with the issue that has occurred on the land, that falls within the sovereignty of the Kingdom, pointing out that the issue will take its regular course, in the Kingdom, and will reach the judiciary, after the completion of the prosecution requirements.

Also today, the Saudi News Agency announced that the Crown Prince will be heading up a new task force to restructure the intelligence agency. As a result, the statement says:

"These orders and measures unequivocally reaffirm that the protection of human rights, in accordance with the provisions of Islamic law and regulations, is one of the most important priorities of the state, he said, adding that the judiciary will have the final say, in achieving justice and bringing those involved to a fair trial." Offering deepest condolences to the family of the deceased - may God have mercy on him - he prayed